Join us in this episode as we sit down with RNDSQR President and seasoned real estate developer, Alkarim Devani. Follow his transformative journey from residential real estate to inner city developments, fueled by a deep passion for design and architecture. Delve into the compelling story behind the birth of RNDSQR, a company instrumental in breathing new life into Calgary’s inner city with a blend of mixed-density properties. Engage in the discussions on the importance of respecting the land, d...
Jul 20, 2023•57 min•Ep. 360
Host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Melissa From, the CEO of the Calgary Food Bank. The conversation focuses on the positive impact of the Calvary Food Bank and the growing challenge of addressing food insecurity in the community. Melissa emphasizes volunteering, donating, and visiting the food bank’s website to support their work. They also discuss upcoming stampede season events as opportunities to give back to the community. Melissa shares their experience as a new CEO and their plans for improv...
Jul 18, 2023•55 min•Ep. 359
As Taitt finds himself on the cusp of high school graduation, he possesses a wealth of insights into individuals’ pivotal choices regarding higher education and their subsequent career paths. From deciphering the crucial factors to consider when selecting the ideal company to work for, Taitt eagerly imparts his knowledge. Brace yourself for an inspiring journey that will embolden you to venture forth, fearlessly embracing every opportunity that crosses your path. The episode is sponsored by Give...
Jul 13, 2023•36 min•Ep. 358
Tune in and discover how martial arts can unlock your greatest potential in life. Host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Budo Brothers Founder, Erik Allan, for an old fashioned chat on everything from hoodies and headlocks to building a brand and showing up in your business (even when you don't want to). This episode will inspire you to chase every crazy idea you've had, because you never know when success will find you. The episode is sponsored by Givesome, an online charitable giving platform that a...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 357
Tune in to learn about innovation and industrial automation with special guest Nannette Ho-Covernton. Nannette shares her positive experience at Spartan Controls and discusses the importance of understanding what can be achieved during one’s time at a company. Throughout the episode, Nannette mentions her commitment to making a lasting impact in the energy industry and wants Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to be the poster child for the energy sector. She notes that people are starting to notice the c...
Jul 06, 2023•58 min•Ep. 356
On this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Albert Lee from Closure Liability Management, a well-site assessment company in the energy sector. They discuss various topics, including the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate reserve life of shale developments and the potential for technological advancements to increase their value. They also explore the importance of hoarding valuable resources and the role of Closure Liability in managing reserve companies’ worth and planning for declines...
Jul 05, 2023•41 min•Ep. 355
In this episode, gain an insider’s perspective on early-stage investing and the current economic cycle with Venture Capitalist Teruel A. Carrasco. As Venture Partner at Tangible Venture Partners Inc., Teruel brings a wealth of investment insights to the episode. You’ll gain clarity on the current economic cycle’s impact on early-stage investing and the importance of collaboration between investors to reduce risk and accelerate innovation. Investing with purpose requires high emotional intelligen...
Jun 29, 2023•50 min•Ep. 354
In this episode, welcome Bobbie Racette, Founder of Virtual Gurus, back to the show to discuss the competitive world of virtual talent, the highs and lows of raising funds, as well as Bobbie’s leadership journey. She explains the lessons learned from growing her company from 2 employees to 50, emphasizing the need for strong leadership when scaling up. She also talks about finding the right partner for developing proprietary technology as a non-technical founder and how Virtual Gurus takes a dif...
Jun 28, 2023•48 min•Ep. 353
In this episode, Terry Rock rejoins the show to provide an update on what Platform Calgary is up to since his last appearance in December 2019. Platform Calgary is on a mission to create a front door to Calgary’s innovation ecosystem by driving faster connections between talent, ideas and capital. By facilitating these connections and removing barriers, Calgary-based businesses will have greater access to many of the tools they need to succeed, scale and flourish. Founders are drowning in option...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 352
On this episode of Collisions YYC, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Gilbert Bong, chartered professional accountant, to discuss wealth management and investing. Gain key insights on non-traditional avenues, planning long-term for your business, and how to mitigate investment risks. The episode is sponsored by Givesome, an online charitable giving platform that allows companies to engage with their employees to promote charitable giving. We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might h...
Jun 21, 2023•51 min•Ep. 351
On this episode of Collisions YYC, host Tyler Chisholm welcomes April and Marissa to talk about their entrepreneurial journey. They delve into finding the right partners within an organization and how partnerships create tangible feedback. They discuss the benefits of a diversity of thought and how biases affect an organization’s culture, ability to retain staff, and bottom line. Listeners will also hear about the challenges of working in the DEI space and how protecting time is essential throug...
Jun 15, 2023•58 min•Ep. 350
Host Tyler Chisholm discusses buying and selling established businesses with Liz MacRae, Head of Partnerships at Village Wellth. Gain clarity on this “underground market” and the ins and outs of selling or buying an established business. You'll also learn more about the tech ecosystem in Alberta and why Village Wellth leverages technology and subscription models. We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds. Instagr...
Jun 13, 2023•56 min•Ep. 349
In this episode, explore the nuanced and sometimes uncomfortable world of negotiations with Mark Raffan, Founder of Negotiations Ninja. Regardless of your job title, negotiations are part of our daily lives and influence how we can resolve conflict and communicate. Mark shares his perspective on negotiating, including why the idea of a “win-win” is nothing but a fever dream, and gives you crucial tips on which mindset is the best to approach negotiating with, including considering the incentives...
Jun 08, 2023•51 min•Ep. 348
In this episode of CYYC, we are joined by Dr. Jason Rogers, the Head of School at Rundle College Society, who shares his bold vision for the future of education. He is a true trailblazer, driven by a commitment to providing personalized education that’s accessible to all. Jason has been instrumental in creating Rundle’s innovative Studio program, which aims to support neurodivergent students with digital programming. He shares how the program leverages digital tools like Zoom, Canvas, and VR to ...
Jun 06, 2023•52 min•Ep. 347
Dive into the world of automation with Jasmeen Virk and Marty Bince, esteemed members of the Society of Automation, in this episode. From your trusty kitchen appliances to large, energy-producing facilities, automation is all around us, revolutionizing how we tackle tasks. Join Jasmeen, who brings her expertise from Spartan Controls, as she highlights the vital role automation plays in enhancing safety, efficiency, and revenue generation. Discover the true essence of automation, its boundaries, ...
Jun 01, 2023•48 min•Ep. 346
In this episode, hear from father and daughter ranchers and Co-Founders of Business Wide View, BJ and Skyler Fuchs. They understood that just because their grandfather, uncles, and dad did things one way, the explosion of AgTech means viewing ranching through a wider, newer lens. BJ and Skyler highlight the challenges of lessening diversification on farms and ranches and the massive scale modern farms need - most being 10,000 or 20,000 acres in their neck of the woods. But they’re not only focus...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 345
In this episode, delve into the significance of ESG from the perspectives of opportunity, challenge, and liability with Conor Chell, Head of MLT Aikens’ ESG Practice Group. Conor’s frank yet optimistic viewpoint sheds light on the predicament faced by numerous small and mid-sized energy companies burdened with ESG compliance obligations that surpass their available resources. He also underscores the advantages of stringent regulations, particularly in terms of investment and policy implications....
May 25, 2023•50 min•Ep. 344
In this episode, delve into the fascinating world of AI implementation in high-stakes environments like healthcare and finance. You’ll hear from Tim Cruz, CTO of Deep Surface AI, as he explores the intricate dynamics of human-AI interaction and why he stresses the importance of responsible communication and integration of AI in high-stakes environments. With tools like ChatGPT changing how we work, Tim reminds us to remain cautious against being misled by its capabilities and other technological...
May 23, 2023•58 min•Ep. 343
In this episode, discover how one Calgary fintech company is on a big, audacious mission to save 10M people 10BN dollars and help end the stressful paycheque-to-paycheque lifestyle that affects more than 70% of Canadians and Americans. To do this, the team purpose-built an app that allows employees to access their earned wages before their next pay period, helping avoid costly NSF fees or payday loans to fill in any gaps or surprise expenses. This episode will inspire you to find creative soluti...
May 18, 2023•57 min•Ep. 342
In this episode, learn about the challenges of building and sustaining a startup by using proper investment strategies. You'll hear from Mark Mitchell, experienced investor and Co-Founder of Red Thread Ventures and Weave VC, who comes back on the show to shed light on the importance of focusing on what can be controlled to avoid the failure of a company. Whether you're considering seeking outside capital or just want to improve your VC knowledge, this episode is a must-listen! Mark explores the ...
May 16, 2023•43 min•Ep. 341
In this episode, Cara Wolf, CEO of Ammolite Analytx, highlights the need for securing your business against cyber crimes, attacks, and risks. Cara has a proven track record of conceptualizing, developing and commercializing technology-based solutions in the defence, finance and energy sectors. She explains how security measures begin at a basic level, such as teaching employees how to avoid common errors that can result in data breaches, and should grow as your company does. Unfortunately, bad a...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 340
In this episode, you’ll learn about the multi-faceted approach to our climate change targets from SolarSteam CEO, Apostol Radev. His company uses solar thermal technology to help clients efficiently heat their properties, which in turn has a positive benefit on reducing electric grid loads. With the continued adoption of EVs and the endless battery-powered devices we wear and carry, making our electric grid more stable will be one key to ensuring a sustainable, comfortable future. Apostol helps ...
May 09, 2023•49 min•Ep. 339
In this episode, learn how self-proclaimed “unemployable” Jeff Russell went from corporate Canada to starting and running multiple businesses. If you’ve ever dreamed of the freedom of entrepreneurship, this episode will inspire you to take the leap of faith and provide key insights necessary to ensure you set your business up for success. From operational systems to healthy habits that will lend themselves to your success, Jeff is a walking case study on successful entrepreneurship. Learn how he...
May 04, 2023•55 min•Ep. 338
In this episode, discover the lost art of finding the “middle” with Joanna Shea, Managing Partner at The Negotiations Collective, a negotiations firm that specializes in conflict training, coaching, and consulting. Their science and research-backed approach is delivered from team members with backgrounds with the FBI, academia, behavioural science and more. From negotiating with her parents at five years old to negotiating acquisitions, mergers, divestments and more in the energy industry, Joann...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 337
In this episode, hear from Lori James, Shalzah Visram, Paul Selway and Tanya Sharma-Moore, of Making Changes Association (aka Calgary’s best kept secret). This 30+ year old company helps women, both teens and adults, to overcome barriers, open doors and create their own path. They do this through their programs, such as Dress For Success, My Best Friend’s Closet, employment and life skill programs, partnerships with more than 100 local agencies and their brand new program, Women In Technology. T...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 336
In this episode, Sabrina Sullivan, Director of Transformation + Ecosystem at the School for Advanced Digital Technology, shares her experiences attending SXSW. Specifically, she attended the EDU track, which brings educators, technologists, futurists, and venture capitalists together to gain new perspectives and applied knowledge to return to their daily roles. When attending a massive event like SXSW, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choices of what topics to explore. Sabrina helps you understand...
Apr 25, 2023•43 min•Ep. 335
In this episode, learn about Prairies Economic Development Canada, the federal government’s boots on the ground in the prairies, from Derek Armstrong, Manager of Innovation Ecosystems. Derek explains how they operate as a funding agency to support the innovation around us. By helping to grow, scale and diversify the economy, Derek has plenty of valuable insights into the ecosystem and our challenges and opportunities. Derek and his team of five spend plenty of time in the sectors that matter in ...
Apr 20, 2023•53 min•Ep. 334
In this episode, hear from the President of IO-Aerospace and Partner of GNO-SYS Technology Ltd., Jon Neufeld, about the innovative world of geographic information system mapping (GIS). Jon is an expert in developing and commercializing innovative technology to solve interesting problems. You’ll gain an understanding of the Canadian roots of GIS and how it has evolved from simple mapping to technology layering insights to think of information in new ways. Whether your organization wants to meet i...
Apr 18, 2023•53 min•Ep. 333
In this episode, hear from innovative CEO Clark Lai of Motiv Innovation Group. The organization works with its clients to help them identify innovation opportunities and create new value through digital technology. Clark explains his perspective of innovation and how Motiv uses its Digital Innovation Model Framework to drive value for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. Whether you’re responsible for digital transformation and innovation or want to understand commercialization from ...
Apr 13, 2023•44 min•Ep. 332
In this episode, learn about the risks and opportunities of AI with Ian Hargreaves, Data Science Fellow at ATB Financial. His role is to advise ATB Financial and its data science teams to think about how AI can solve problems for its own business and its clients. As we collectively take part in the world’s biggest AI experiment by using tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney, it’s critical to take a strategic view and think through this technology’s regulatory, ethical, and even legal aspects. Ian wil...
Apr 11, 2023•58 min•Ep. 331
