The biggest ballot item in Albertans minds? The economy. COVID-19 gave us an economic beating, and also impacted our healthcare and education systems, which are the next most important topics to Albertans. Janet will help you understand the issues, what we as Albertans can do about them, and give you the data-driven knowledge to vote with confidence.
First Nations, Metis and Inuit nations in Canada have unique cultures that connect them deeply to their traditional lands. But if they didn’t win the geographic lottery when reservations were created, opportunities may have dried up completely in remote, northern, or smaller communities. Rather than move to new regions, Steel River Group aims to bring industry and economic benefits to these areas. Trent’s episode will inspire you while informing you of the challenges, opportunities and needs for...
In this day and age, the world is more divided than ever. In this connected digital society, we overestimate how similar we are to our peers. Politics has also become more challenging than ever - especially if you don’t know who you want to vote for. Zain wants to help you explore the ins and outs of politics. In this new era, more and more of us feel politically homeless. Zain will teach you about the tactics politicians use to control their messaging and give you insight into how to figure out...
The Internet of Things allows us greater connectivity between humans and the technological devices we use. Alan Tay helps you understand what Industrial IoT is, how Aurora Aerial is using efficiencies and better data transfer to maximize how we create true value in our communities. His optimistic outlook on Alberta’s future as an IoT technology centre will leave you curious to learn more about this rapidly evolving sector.
As a producer, you’re the parent of your product. It’s your baby, and you have to take care of it. As an investor, it’s your job to be the voice of reason and deliver advice. If you can help someone else succeed in their business, then you’ve helped yourself to succeed in your business. This concept is what fuels Thin Air Labs and James each day. Learn why this matters and other critical insights about Calgary’s technology and investment ecosystems and the massive opportunity in the city right b...
Wellington’s experience in digital transformation at large financial institutions helped him realize it was a key component to a more democratic financial future. By offering a fresher digital experience to their customers, not only will banking be better but Connect First Credit Union can also support local FinTech partners to grow Alberta’s economy.
Randy is invested into 100 companies and funds right now. His favourite part of venture capital is how it democratises the right to invest into alternative asset classes, making room at the table for more players who, historically, may not have had that seat otherwise. Randy breaks down the deal “food chain”, why deal flow is more important than capturing Silicon Valley level deals, and the difference between an inventor and a business person.
Did you know that your mood, the way you react, the way you interact with people, and your communication style, are very much affected by the amount of sleep that you get at night? It’s true. A lack of sleep can create impairment equal to that of drinking which means you won’t operate as your best self. Learn about how to create a bedtime routine and environment that will set you up for success - in your bedroom and the boardroom.
Rick was told that the “A” in “AI” stands for “accountable”; meaning, we have to be accountable for how AI and ML get deployed to ensure there is no bias. He shares his insights on the valuable ways organizations and governments have deployed AI/ML to digitize industries such as forestry and fisheries, and how the model AltaML uses helps lift up whole communities with great talent and skillsets.
Whether you are seeking funding or to invest, Jeff Robson has the expertise to help you understand the lay of the land in Calgary. As President & CEO of Vada Capital, Jeff helps early-stage companies identify whether they need an investor or simply guidance. For those who are ready for investment, Vada Capital can help identify the true value of your idea, and shape the business the way you want it. Uncover key insights about failing fast, why curiosity is a powerful business tool and Calgar...
Our local innovation and venture sectors are critical to the success of Alberta companies. Successful families in our community want to invest in the local scene and entrepreneurs often rely on their local ecosystem to get interest from potential customers. This creates a more accessible and democratized asset class - which is critical for our economic strength and growth. Find out more about why Bryan is working hard to mobilize capital to set Alberta up for long-term success.
As more investors begin to notice Alberta’s tech ecosystem, there will be a race to invest in these start-ups. But what if you don’t have millions to invest, Red Thread Ventures is a great place to start by investing a smaller sum and get exposure to early-stage investing. Uncover what Red Thread Ventures is doing to create a community for start-ups and investors, why Mark wants to break down the archaic rules of investing, and why Alberta is a great province in which to place your bets.
From Nike to KFC, United Airlines to Disney, Douglas Vermeeren has conducted detailed first-hand research into major brands’ top achievers. Why? To uncover their unique strategies and translate them into effective wealth and passive income coaching for those a bit further down the ladder. No matter what you do to earn money, COVID put our world on its head and forced everyone to examine their income sources - leading many to become entrepreneurs without the support or context required. This insp...
Rather than fit into the standard mould of what a founder looks and acts like, Sheenah is working to transform the way she pitches and lay the foundation for future women leaders to empower them to show up in their own unique way. She guides us through her experiences in pitching and raising capital to help you understand potential obstacles and opportunities. We also discuss the vision for her new company, ARI, and her hopes to bring visibility to tech leaders who don’t look like Mark Zuckerber...
Bringing your idea out of the basement and into the world is scary enough. And raising capital to grow your idea? Terrifying. It doesn’t have to be! There’s no better person to help you understand venture capital than Matthew Wilson, who’s had 80+ investments. He brings us down to earth to remind us of what really matters (and it isn’t necessarily a higher valuation). He took a unique approach by curating a 600 strong network of entrepreneurs, angel investors, and VCs around the world. Why? Inst...
Beyond proving your capability as an employee, there is a need to prove your knowledge in Digital Intelligence. Lee Ackerman is the perfect guide for this conversation, thanks to his multiple decades of experience working across organizational structures around the world in the arena of digital transformation. He breaks down what a digital citizen and digital society are, how we can teach and empower people to thrive, create and lead in our digital society, and what it means for our future of wo...
Dani, a public relations and media relations specialist, made a big shift in her career to work for the IKEA Group. The values of IKEA’s policies, which include efforts to minimize the environmental impact of production and a unique Swedish culture with strong gender parity, made the switch an easy one. We discuss Dani’s experience living abroad for a few years and how that has impacted her perspective of Canada, as well as the values of IKEA Group that made it such an appealing organization for...
With Calgary being so oil and gas-focused, how do we change the city’s economic narrative while supporting new Canadians’ careers in our city? Wunmi was driven by her own curiosity to answer that question. We discuss her meet-up group, Immigrant Techies Alberta, and how that identified other gaps she could address with her new company, Reskill Calgary. This conversation is certain to inspire you to ask “Why not?” and find ways you can demonstrate how much Calgary has to offer.
From cannabis legalization to over 100 clinical trials around plant medicine happening in Canada, our country’s progressive stance on drug policy is creating new markets and new paths to wellness. Danny helps us understand what plant medicine is, and where it can fit into our healthcare system, as well as his experience with meeting investors and raising capital in the era of Zoom meetings. This episode is sure to spark your curiosity about psychedelic medicine and provide key insights about rai...
With polarization and partisanship deepening divides in Alberta, it’s time for informed and respectful conversations - especially around our diverse resource sector. This is what Cody is fostering with CanadaAction - all while combatting misinformation about cleantech, renewables, and oil & gas. When we speak respectfully, inclusively and truthfully, we can understand perspectives that differ from ours. If you’re curious about the confluence of the environment, the economy, and the energy se...
Students face so many decisions - with plenty of input from counsellors, teachers, parents and friends - about what to do with their life. You may recall the uncertainty and lack of confidence you felt as a young adult being asked those same questions. Katie and Bridget explain how they came up with their idea, and how the entrepreneurial and helpful spirit of Calgarians has helped Joy to Job flourish, and why instilling passion and curiosity in our next generation is critical to Calgary’s futur...
For the past 16 months we have come to rely on technology more than ever before. It allowed our economy to continue to move forward when the world stood still. But if you are expected to be “always on”, how can you sustain the work-life balance that almost all workers have come to enjoy? Employee engagement in the digital age requires creating a sustainable balance between work and life. Digital wellness is the answer - and Chido will help you understand what it is and how to apply it to your ow...
When you think of Alberta, what comes to mind? For some tourists, it’s a negative perception of a place chock full of rich oil barons and pick-up trucks. But what makes the DNA of Alberta so spectacular are the experiences, the food, the people, the vistas. If you are curious how a well-executed story can bring alignment, investment, and pride to any industry or organization, Royce’s critical insights will help you achieve innovative results.
For over a decade, Jennie Gilbert has been at SAIT helping leaders navigate the changing world of work. A leading expert on the subject, Jennie supports business leaders with emotional intelligence so they can become more effective leaders. From psychological safety, adaptability, and relationship intelligence, Jennie helps you to understand the importance of having ‘soft skills' in your leadership team to get your team moving in the same direction.
The past fifteen months have been a catalyst for the future of work. In the face of uncertainty and fear, companies are embracing the prospect of virtual, remote workforces where employees can work from anywhere in the world. The rise of online working has brought with it new ways to retain and attract top talent, but also raised questions about how these new methods affect employee engagement. There’s no better person to walk us through than Rod Miller, CEO at CPHR Alberta. This association of ...
Rather than focusing on a du-jour technology solution for each customer, Robbie’s team at LaunchCode is working to be a nimble member of the Calgary tech ecosystem by providing high-quality technical education for motivated people. As a result, LaunchCode can help Calgarians get a new career in tech or help companies grow with fresh talent with a niche skillset. We explore how traditional development methods compare against considering an organization’s future roadmap, leading to better results....
Cleantech is a popular buzzword right now but to Melanie McClare, CEO of Swirltex, it’s more than that. It’s a path forward to measurably reduce our impact on the environment. She walks us through the challenge of finding the right investor that understands their space (hardware Cleantech) and why Melanie has to look south of our border to find that person. Alberta needs to foster more early adopters to help pilot technology to shorten the time frame of capital raising, and Melanie helps us unde...
Alberta’s agriculture industry has always been a key pillar of the province’s economy — but it’s also in unprecedented growth mode right now. As Alberta’s oil and gas sector continues to take a hit, farmers are seeing an opportunity to gain more ground in the agricultural sector. Scott knows agricultural production in Alberta is growing — that’s why he works so hard to ensure that the technology used to produce high-quality, sustainable products is also growing. His team at UFA is working on ext...
Every business owner knows they need to leverage emerging and existing technologies to stay relevant, or they’ll go the way of the dodo. But with so many opinions and options available, how can an organization cut through the noise to find valuable solutions? John shares his wealth of knowledge and simplifies the technology conversation. Instead of getting lost in the weeds, John centers on simplicity to achieve vital results by creating an end goal, a vision, and a structure to deliver. Listen ...
Lauryn Vaughn has learned plenty on her entrepreneurial journey. From an idea in her basement with some interns to a successful, sustainable consignment company, Lauryn has experienced each stage of the start-up journey. The Upside brings those with fabulous fashions they no longer want, and the buyers who want them, together on one platform for an easy and unique shopping experience. We enjoy a great conversation on building a circular economy in fashion, who your top champions are in your earl...
