E488 – Current & Critical – Jim Dunn, Rethinking Construction: How Modular Strategies Are Transforming the Industry
In this episode, discover what makes Stack Modular a standout in the industry with its President, Jim Dunn. Known for its innovative approach, Stack Modular constructs modular buildings in China and transports them worldwide with efficiency and precision akin to building with giant LEGO blocks. Jim sheds light on the systemic challenges that have kept the industry stagnant for decades, drawing comparisons to advancements seen in other sectors like textiles and technology. He candidly discusses the uphill battle of debunking myths around modular construction and battling the stereotypes about Chinese manufacturing, emphasizing China’s high-quality outputs and strategic advantages.
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E487 – Current & Critical – Charles St-Arnaud, Tariffs, Trade, and Alberta: What Lies Ahead
In this episode, get clarity on the economic forces shaping Alberta and Canada with Charles St-Arnaud, Chief Economist at Alberta Central. With a background in global finance and policy analysis, Charles provides a data-driven yet refreshingly candid perspective on why Canada struggles with productivity, why uncertainty is the real economic killer, and how Alberta’s economic transformation is playing out in real-time. From the oil sector’s shift toward stability to the hidden impact of tariffs and Canada’s chronic underinvestment in innovation, Charles challenges conventional wisdom and offers a clear-eyed look at what lies ahead.
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E486 – Current & Critical – Shondell Sabad, Discover the Evolution of Farming: Vertical Solutions for Local Food Production
In this episode, discover the innovative world of indoor vertical farming with Shondell Sabad, Co-Founder of Prairie Vertical Farms. Shondell explores how this transformative approach can address pressing issues such as food security and sustainability, especially in the dry heartland of Alberta. Explore why Prairie Vertical Farms is starting with romaine lettuce and other leafy greens, as it aims to replace the long-distance supply chains that currently bring produce from places like California and Mexico. By producing locally, Prairie Vertical Farms offers fresher, more consistent, and higher-quality products and contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and keeping the economic benefits within Alberta.
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E485 – Current & Critical – Philip Calvert, The Mustard Seed: Transforming Lives Through Community and Compassion
In this episode, discover the power of something as tiny as a mustard seed with Philip Calvert, Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed. This Calgary institution recently celebrated 40 years of service, expanding its reach across seven cities and addressing our most vulnerable citizens’ immediate and long-term needs. Philip has been instrumental in their mission with innovative approaches to fundraising, including the transition to digital fundraising and integrated marketing approaches. These innovative decisions were partly driven by necessity, such as the postal strike, that impacted non-profits’ ability to reach donors. Philip shares his connection to The Mustard Seed’s mission and how he transitioned from international to local nonprofit work.
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E484 – Current & Critical – Hafiz Mitha, Buying vs. Building: How Taking Over a Family Business Changed an Entrepreneur's Life
In this episode, Hafiz Mitha shares his journey of taking over his family’s business, Airways Krown, transforming a longstanding local shop into a thriving and scalable operation. He opens up about the challenges of stepping into a legacy, modernizing processes, and shifting mindsets—especially when the previous owner is also your parent. With aging business owners across Canada looking to exit, Hafiz’s story highlights how family businesses can be the perfect launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you’re eyeing a transition in your family’s business or considering acquiring an established company, this episode is packed with insights on navigating ownership, driving change, and creating long-term success.
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E483 – Current & Critical – Rehan Ahmad, Scaling Without Limits: How RBCx Works for Founders
In this episode, learn why startups don’t just need capital—they need strategic partners who understand the unique challenges of scaling a business. Rehan Ahmad, Director of Banking at RBCx, shares how RBCx is redefining banking for Canada’s most innovative founders. Rehan helps you understand the "how" of RBCx—how they provide tailored financial solutions, strategic guidance, and a deep ecosystem of support to help entrepreneurs build and scale their companies. From pre-seed startups to Series A and beyond, learn how RBCx supports founders every step of the way.
Explore why Western Canada is an increasingly attractive place for venture-backed businesses, how local founders can access game-changing resources, and why relationships—not just funding—are the key to long-term success.
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E482 – Current & Critical – William Richards, Navigating the Tech World: Insights from a 10-Year Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode, discover what it takes to build a resilient, bootstrapped company with William Richards, Founder and CEO of Urllo. He joins the podcast to share how he has navigated the challenges of rebranding, scaling an enterprise sales strategy, and staying ahead of market changes. William unpacks the highs and lows of leading a company through internal and external transformation. From a decade-long journey of bootstrapping to overcoming the hurdles of selling into enterprise organizations, he shares hard-earned insights on what it really takes to build a lasting business.
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E481 – Current & Critical – Joshua Weinberger, Adapting to Win: The Hard Truths of Startup Growth and Change
In this episode, discover what it really takes to scale a business in an industry rooted in tradition. Joshua Weinberger, COO and General Counsel at Goodlawyer, takes us inside their journey of growing a legal tech startup that’s challenging the status quo. From early struggles with product-market fit to strategic pivots that reshaped their entire approach, Joshua shares how Goodlawyer adapted, listened, and evolved to meet the needs of their clients. Through candid reflections, Joshua discusses the hard lessons learned in scaling a startup—embracing feedback, making bold shifts, and building a resilient team culture in the face of uncertainty. Joshua offers a raw and relatable look at the highs and lows of startup life.
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E480 – Current & Critical – Jil Macdonald, From Traditional to Tech-Forward: Revolutionizing Insurance with Cutting-Edge Solutions
In this episode, hear from Jil Macdonald, COO of Walnut Insurance, a company reshaping how insurance integrates into our daily lives. Jil sheds light on how Walnut innovates the insurance industry by seamlessly embedding services into customer journeys, such as mortgages and loans, eliminating friction and improving user experience. She shares her journey of embracing new challenges across industries, from AI to insurance tech, and emphasizes the importance of building technology with human connection and intention. This conversation offers a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and transforming legacy systems into agile solutions for the future.
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E479 – Current & Critical – Dennis Plintz, Discover Calgary's Booming Real Estate Market and Investment Opportunities
In this episode, get the low-down on Calgary’s fluctuating real estate market with third-generation Calgarian and seasoned real estate expert Dennis Plintz. He explores the different facets of Calgary's booming real estate scene through invaluable insights, like how strategic infrastructure developments, including ring roads and hospitals from 2010 to 2015, have significantly sustained the city, even during economic downturns. We dive into the compelling reasons millennials are returning to Calgary after studying abroad, driven by the city's affordability and enhanced quality of life compared to pricier urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto.
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E478 – Current & Critical – Zoe Harrison, Rethinking Board Roles: How to Embrace Diversity, Technology and Strategy
In this episode, Zoe Harrison, a seasoned expert in strategy and innovation, shares her insights from nearly 20 years of experience in applied AI strategy, innovation labs, and board governance. Zoe breaks down the often misunderstood world of board governance, explaining how the right mix of skills, perspectives, and experiences can fuel innovation and steer organizations toward success. She unpacks the importance of cultivating diversity on boards—not just demographically, but in thought and expertise—to challenge groupthink and unlock untapped potential. Zoe also highlights the unique dynamics of nonprofit and startup boards, where lines between strategic oversight and operational involvement often blur, creating challenges and opportunities for impactful governance. Whether you’re a first-time board member or a seasoned leader, this episode offers invaluable lessons on aligning values, managing responsibilities, and shaping a resilient future.
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E477 – Current & Critical – Tatiana de Abreu, How to Build a Beverage Brand: The Story Behind Sunday Funday and the Mimosa Revolution
In this episode, hear from Tatiana de Abreu, the pioneering founder behind Sunday Funday Beverages, Canada's first premium, female-founded canned mimosa. Tatiana takes us through her incredible journey, beginning with an idea that struck her back in August 2020—a realization that Canada's market was missing out on the convenience and delight of canned mimosas. Fast forward to today, and she's on a mission to build a "Mimosa Empire," envisioning Sunday Funday as a household name akin to White Claw's popularity in Canada, with ambitious plans to break into the U.S. market. Tatiana candidly reflects on overcoming impostor syndrome, leveraging her tech and sales background and the incredible support from friends forming the "Sunday army." You'll hear about her scrappy yet effective marketing strategies, including grassroots efforts and leveraging personal networks, which have been crucial in expanding her brand despite stiff competition and financial constraints.
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E476 – Current & Critical – Sid Tetz, Behind the Walls: How Innovation in Construction Materials Shapes How We Build and Live
In this episode, get an insider’s look at the world of construction materials and housing with Sid Tetz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CGC Inc. Sid explores the unseen factors that make a house a home, from acoustic design to structural systems. He tackles pressing issues like the housing crisis, labour and material costs, and the complex web of building codes and financial constraints that shape Canada's real estate market. Sid shares his insights on innovation in construction, the profound impact of energy efficiency, and the shifting dynamics of modern housing.
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E475 – Current & Critical – Cordell Jacks, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Search Funds, Regenerative Business Models and the Silver Tsunami
In this episode, discover the urgent need to nurture a regenerative economy with CEO and General Partner of Regenerative Capital Group, Cordell Jacks. By combining inclusive economic practices with regenerative principles, Cordell explains how Search Funds—a proven model for acquiring and scaling small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—can address the looming succession crisis among baby boomer business owners. This approach values sustainable practices, diverse leadership, and greater stakeholder engagement while preserving thriving businesses for future generations. Learn how employee share ownership and increased support for marginalized groups can foster a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.
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E474 – Current & Critical – Craig Senyk, Cultivating Community and Culture to Reach $90BN AUM
In this episode, explore the world of investment management with Craig Senyk, Board Chair at Mawer Investment Management, a global firm based in Calgary. Craig explores the innovative ways Mawer fostered a strong organizational culture and community within the firm, especially during challenging times like COVID-19. He discusses the transformation from quarterly lunches to weekly investment calls, the importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure, and how they promote core behaviours like candour, curiosity, accountability, and appreciation.
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E473 – Current & Critical – Ian Macdonald, Understanding Calgary’s Tech Success: Economic Impact and Startup Support
In this episode, get a peek at the heart of Calgary’s explosive growth with Ian Macdonald, Business and Innovation Leader, KPMG High Growth Ventures at KPMG. Over the past five years, Calgary has emerged as the fastest-growing tech hub in North America, boasting a staggering 78% growth rate from 2018 to 2024. Ian sheds light on his unique role at KPMG, where he focuses on forming meaningful relationships within the tech and innovation sectors. We discuss KPMG's strategic investments, the power of the Platform Innovation Center, and the Ignition Center's innovative approach to solving complex business challenges.
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E472 – Current & Critical – Israel Peck, Profitability Through People: Three Things to Stop Doing to Increase Your Margin (Part 2 of 2)
In this episode, we continue our culture conversation with Israel Peck, Founder and CEO of Cratic—a company specializing in measuring and enhancing company culture and performance. This is part two of our series, building on the insights from Profitability Through People: Effective Team-Building and Cultural Strategies. Shifting focus, we explore three key practices to stop doing that can immediately impact your profitability. Israel examines the pivotal role middle management plays in shaping workplace dynamics, the influence of different leadership styles on team outcomes, and the importance of replacing manipulative tactics with genuine, curiosity-driven questioning. Backed by insights from Harvard Business Review and McKinsey, this episode underscores how small, strategic changes in workplace culture can lead to a 3x increase in profit margins.
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E471 – Current & Critical – Israel Peck, Profitability Through People: Effective Team-Building and Cultural Strategies (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode, hear from Israel Peck, an authority on team strategy and organizational culture, who is also the Founder and CEO of Cratic. In this first part of our engaging two-part series, Israel shares his expert opinions on topics critical to improving workplace dynamics and boosting profitability. He highlights simple yet impactful strategies for building trust, integrating aspects of coaching, psychology, and open communication to improve team dynamics. Israel also stresses the importance of understanding and addressing employees’ actual needs and desires, which can significantly enhance team cohesiveness and overall business performance.
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