E344 - Sustainable Matters - Conor Chell, ESG Strategy & Real World Applications in Western Canada

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.

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E343 - Current & Critical - Tim Cruz, Artificial Intelligence - How to use it with intent & purpose

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 advancements. Discover how Deep Surface AI reduces pre-operative anxiety for plastic surgery patients, including under-served transgender patients who want to understand how gender-affirming surgeries will look.

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E342 - Follow the Money - Darcy Tuer, What it takes to build and scale your tech company

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 solutions to big problems while providing key insights into scale-ups, including how Zayzoon achieved 5x revenue growth with minimal operating costs and a work-from-anywhere model.

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E341 - Follow the Money - Mark Mitchell, Building an Early Stage Fund

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!

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E340 - Current & Critical - Cara Wolf, Advanced Information Security - AI, Quantum and State Actors

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.

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E339 - Sustainable Matters - Apostol Radev, SolarSteam - The Lowest Cost Renewable Heat

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.

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E338 - Current & Critical - Jeff Russell, "Fire Yourself First" - How to unchain yourself from the daily grind

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 found the industries in need of his skills and how he grew his medical consulting business in the US.

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E337 - Current & Critical - Joanna Shea, How to Survive and Thrive in your next Negotiation

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, Joanna brings years of expertise to profiling individuals and negotiating to help you avoid conflict where there needn’t be any, know your worth and value, and go after what you want with confidence. 

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E336 - Current & Critical - Lori, Shalzah, Tanya & Paul, Making Changes - Empowering Women in Tech

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. This episode will remind you that as we grow and scale Western Canada, we must continue to do the critical work to ensure nobody is left behind.

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E335 - Current & Critical - Sabrina Sullivan, SXSW & SXSW Edu - Post Event Debrief

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 how to get the most out of any conference you attend and will inspire you to push your thinking to new heights.

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E334 - Current & Critical - Derek Armstrong, Prairies Economic Development Canada - Funding Western Canadian Opportunities

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.

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E333 - Current & Critical - Jon Neufeld, Understanding Geospatial and Its Impact on our Lives

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 its ESG requirements, find new ways to track what matters or improve data processing, this episode is chock full of relevant insights.

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E332 - Current & Critical - Clark Lai, How to get the most from Innovation, Automation and Technology

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 an innovation perspective better, this episode is a must-listen.

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E331 - Current & Critical - Ian Hargreaves, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Human Centred Thinking

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 will help you consider important questions and understand what they can mean for your business operations.

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E330 - Current & Critical - Lauren Dwyer, Understanding Human-Centred Technologies (and how they will impact us all)

In this episode, learn how Lauren pivoted her career goals from becoming a therapist to working with robots, thanks to a fateful conversation with a professor during her Master’s studies. Now, Lauren is the Academic Chair for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at the School for Advanced Digital Technology at SAIT. She articulates the requirement to get students familiar with tech to ensure they are career-ready and dives deep into the impact of AI on society and people. This episode will get you informed about the intersection of communication, culture, technology and practice, and what the future of technology interactions could look like.

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E329 - Current & Critical - Wendy Beauchesne, Alberta Cancer Foundation - Making More Moments that Matter for Cancer Patients

In this episode, learn about the Alberta Cancer Foundation from its CEO, Wendy Beauchesne. Wendy’s career spans decades in health, deploying hundreds of millions of capital into transformational campaigns, and she’s thrilled to bring her expertise to her CEO role. Wendy shares the optimistic stories of how the Alberta Cancer Foundation supports Albertans across the province in the face of a cancer diagnosis and some of the positive changes to the expected quality of life, thanks to innovative research. You’ll gain clarity on ACF’s role in the province, how to spur innovation and commercialization in non-profits, and why Wendy believes non-profits shouldn’t be treated differently than any other business.

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E328 - Current & Critical - Geri Greenall, Empowering Communities: The Energy Industry's Collaborative Efforts to Make a Difference

In this episode, Geri Greenall, CFO of Spartan Delta Corp. and EPAC board member, shares her insights on how the energy industry can showcase its positive impact on communities. Geri is leading an initiative to encourage energy companies to partner with Classroom Champions and provide financial support to drive positive change in the rural classrooms where energy workers live and raise their families. By forming local partnerships, the energy industry proactively addresses negative perceptions and demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being. The Energize Communities campaign aims to shape a more positive narrative around the industry's efforts to give back to the communities they serve. Explore Geri's leadership and the industry's efforts to promote sustainable development and community well-being through local partnerships and education initiatives.

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E327 - Current & Critical - Jay Whitelaw, Corporate Giving - Inspiring the Generosity Journey

In this episode, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Givesome, Jay Whitelaw, explains the power of being allowed to see the real difference generosity and giving can make. Jay shares the a-ha moment he experienced while teaching in Namibia that helped him realize what’s missing from the generosity journey - seeing the impact. He explains how generosity can be crucial to employee and customer engagement and the ins and outs of the Givesome platform, including the advanced metrics and data that companies receive to report back to employees, partners and others to demonstrate tangible outcomes from giving.

You’ll gain valuable insights from Sheri’s experience in the industry and come away with a better understanding of the ins and outs of event management. Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or just starting, tune in for an informative and engaging discussion on planning unforgettable events.

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