In this episode, unpack the investment ecosystem in Alberta with the Founder & CEO of DealPoint Capital and CEO of Intergen, Sandi Gilbert. As a self-professed, passionate ecosystem advocate, Sandi explains how Intergen and DealPoint Capital match entrepreneurs and business leaders while providing the support to build and scale businesses. Her balanced approach highlights the benefits and drawbacks of both seeking capital investment and scaling without external funding. She explains the competition and collaboration of the venture capital market in Alberta, and the increase in corporate VC activity. If you want a no-nonsense look at the VC landscape in Alberta, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode, hear from Jenn Lofgren, Managing Partner and Executive Leadership Coach at Incito Executive & Leadership Development. She unravels the intricate world of leadership, sharing valuable insights and practical strategies. Jenn highlights the Five Distractions of a Team and how these hinder the ability to go from siloed to unified, especially when humans get caught up in the drama. From transitioning from an individual contributor role to leadership to navigating the uncertain economic landscape of Alberta, this episode is filled with thought-provoking ideas and actionable takeaways.

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You don’t have to go long to enjoy our 400th episode with Jay McNeil, Vice-President of Business Operations for the Calgary Stampeders (and former Stamp himself)! Whether you’re a fan of the CFL or work in the sports industry, this episode will give you an insider’s look at the challenges and future of the Stampeders and sports. Jay highlights changing fan behaviours, including a 35% decrease in season ticket holders since 2015. To combat this shift, Jay and his team are finding new ways to engage existing fans through pre- and post-game activities and also attract the next generation of Stamps fans. The Stampeders also help make Calgary a better city by focusing on community and social responsibility. Players will exceed 250 appearances in partnership with more than 50 charitable organizations. Jay explains the strategies this team is experimenting with, and they might inspire your next strategic session!

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In this episode, get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Alberta’s most successful and storied media companies, RedPoint Media, with President and Co-Owner Käthe Lemon. From the history of Top 40 Under 40 and Avenue Magazine to the shifting media landscape that is evolving from print to social connections, Käthe helps you understand the important role of media in supporting small and local businesses. Whether you get your news from an old-fashioned paper or on an app, RedPoint Media demonstrates how to diversify media authentically and endure in changing and challenging times.

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In this episode, hear from trailblazer Christa Hill about her journey in tech. As the Co-Founder of Tacit Edge Product Leadership, she brings a commitment to creating an equitable global standard of practice for product management. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a visionary mindset in driving innovation and transformation in the tech world. This episode will help you understand the opportunities within Calgary’s tech ecosystem and what it takes to seize them.

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In this episode, hear from Mark Blackwell, General Partner at Builders VC. He explores the impact of growth and profitability in late-stage, pre-IPO and IPO companies. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing ecosystem in Western Canada, Mark highlights how Builders VC focuses on investing in antiquated industries experiencing disruption, such as healthcare, agriculture, food, industrial and construction. If you’re curious about how Calgary’s many unicorns have given our ecosystem an advantage and what Mark predicts is on the horizon, don’t miss this episode.

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In this episode, gain a legal perspective on cybersecurity with Partner, Data Breach Coach and Technology Litigation Sub-Group Leader at Gowlings WLG, Brent Arnold. As an experienced litigator, Brent knows the importance of cybersecurity for businesses. This conversation explores the different aspects of this rapidly evolving landscape and reminds employees to be trained and vigilant in the face of rising attacks and changing technologies, including artificial intelligence. Get cyber-ready with today’s episode.

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In this episode, get a no-nonsense look at the realities of the mortgage market in Canada with Kent Chapman, Broker-Owner of Mortgage Tree. For decades, Kent has provided expert residential lending services and helping clients navigate the complexities of mortgages and find the best option for their needs. Kent explains the factors driving the influx of buyers to Alberta, the hidden costs of low-rate interest mortgages, and the potential future of mortgage amortizations.

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In this episode, hear from Shannon Phillips, Director of Unbounded Thinking, to learn about the world of change management, innovation and problem-solving in today’s complex organizations. Unbounded Thinking helps organizations undertake and advance innovation with a human-centered approach, turning it from a buzzword into science. Shannon will unpack what this means, challenging traditional approaches and demonstrating practical strategies to manage and drive innovation forward.

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In this episode, Jared shares his journey from working in the restaurant industry to founding his own commercial cleaning company with his partner, Aaron. They started focusing on treating their employees with respect and professionalism, creating a strong company culture that sets them apart from others in the industry. But their path was not without its challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Jared and his team faced the daunting task of navigating through an uncertain landscape. They quickly adapted their services, offering free disinfection for seniors' homes and becoming a crucial part of the fight against the virus.

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In this episode, hear from Megan Lee, Managing Director at Quantum City, a quantum innovation hub at the University of Calgary. She explains the world of quantum computing and explores its potential use cases, including quantum optimization, quantum chemistry, and quantum machine learning. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of quantum technology, its impact on various sectors, and the efforts being made to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the quantum industry.

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In this episode, hear from Sophia Fairweather, a 15-year-old entrepreneur, about her experiences and insights in the world of entrepreneurship. Sophia shares her journey from running a lemonade stand to starting her own product business and investing in real estate. She discusses her challenges, the importance of delegation and team building, and the need for youth to be supported and encouraged in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Gain valuable insights into the mindset of a young entrepreneur, learn about the resources and networks available to youth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and get inspired to pursue your own entrepreneurial aspirations.

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In this episode, enjoy an engaging conversation with Zinat Damji, Founder, President, and CEO of Alliance Trust Company. Explore Zinat's journey in the world of trust services, her commitment to community involvement and philanthropy, and the principles of integrity and value-driven service. Zinat shares her insights on Calgary's unique small-town vibe, the importance of treating each client as essential, and her hopes for the future generation in Calgary. The discussion also covers the significance of values and operating systems in building successful businesses and the critical role of responsiveness in client relationships.

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In this episode, get real about leadership with the author of ‘Inside Out’ Erin Thorp. Erin is a leadership coach and consultant who is busting myths around traditional leadership and emphasizing the importance of empathy, trust and inclusion at work. Midway through her engineering career, Erin confronted a pivotal realization: she had pursued a path not fully aligned with her core values. This led her to self-explore to understand her emotions and how they are a strength, not a weakness she was told they were. This episode can't be missed if you’re a leader hungry for better talent retention, exceptional team outputs and self-growth.

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In this episode, explore the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impact of extreme weather events and climate change with Kathryn Bakos, Director, Climate Finance and Science at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic and social implications of extreme weather events, the importance of adaptation and resilience, and the role of individuals, businesses, and governments in mitigating climate risks. Kathryn sheds light on practical, cost-effective solutions for homeowners, businesses, and communities, backed by research and collaboration with subject matter experts.

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In this episode, welcome back Jason McFadden to the show. As Vice President of Growth at Build with Assembly, Jason brings a unique Toronto perspective to the changing landscape of SaaS selling and marketing. Jason emphasizes an emerging shift towards human connection and emotions over focusing simply on product features. He shares the importance of understanding the feelings and experiences of customers, co-creating solutions with them, and using storytelling to emotionally connect with the audience. The episode highlights the challenges and opportunities for SaaS companies and provides insights into effectively navigating the evolving SaaS industry.

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In this episode, hear from Vanessa Gagnon, Director of Community at Platform Calgary, about the upcoming Innovation Week in Calgary. Vanessa provides an insightful overview of the events scheduled for Innovation Week, emphasizing the inclusive and collaborative nature of the week, catering to a diverse audience from the tech-curious to seasoned entrepreneurs.

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In this episode, we journey with Tara Weber, Western Bureau Chief at BNN Bloomberg, through the evolving landscapes of Calgary and Alberta, unearthing the urgent need to reshape the narratives and perceptions of both. As Alberta becomes a mosaic of migrants, the essence of its identity shifts, challenging residents and newcomers alike to redefine what it means to be Albertan. In the backdrop, the media industry battles its own beasts—selective storytelling and the quicksand of fake news that threaten to narrow our worldviews. Meanwhile, the energy sector stands at a crossroads, grappling with the pressures of equitable transition and the weight of environmental responsibilities. Amidst the slow dance of mergers and acquisitions, a burgeoning tech scene in Calgary is rising, signalling a new dawn for the city's economy.

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