E445 – Current & Critical – Demian Newman, Understanding Mandatory ESG Reporting and Its Impacts
In this episode, Demian Newman, CEO and Founder of GreenWorks ESG unravels the complexities and challenges companies face in ESG reporting and compliance. From the skepticism surrounding bold environmental claims to the need for standardized reporting and the role of technology in achieving accurate data, this episode covers it all. Demian shares his journey from oil and gas sales to leading an ESG-focused company, while highlighting the significance of transparency, accurate data, and the evolving landscape of mandatory ESG reporting.
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E444 – Current & Critical – Will Zhang, AI and Data Transforming the Homebuilding Industry
In this episode, hear from returning guest Will Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenHouse.ai. He explains the critical importance of keeping a higher mission in focus as a leader, illustrated by some personal stories of navigating challenging trade-offs and the pivotal role of his team in re-aligning their decisions with their core mission. The conversation also extends to the complexities of team growth, hiring, and building customer success capabilities in the homebuilding industry.
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E443 – Current & Critical – Alicia Quesnel, The Evolution of an Inclusive Western Canadian Energy Sector
In this episode, explore the expansive potential of the cleantech space and its critical role beyond energy with Managing Partner at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP, Alicia Quesnel. She unpacks key industry dynamics from energy security to policy-making challenges to the economic and environmental impacts of the oil sands. She brings unique insights into the global complexities of sourcing critical minerals in an approachable way.
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E442 – Current & Critical – Marcie Jones, Navigating Risk Through Community in Western Canada's Unique Business Landscape
In this episode, hear from seasoned fractional growth leader, Marcie Jones, as she unpacks her wealth of experience across multiple domains. She explores the intricate relationship between hard work, diversity, and success in entrepreneurship and farming, emphasizing the invaluable lessons drawn from both arenas. Marcie discusses the pioneering spirit of farmers and how their innovative approaches resonate with today’s technological advancements.
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E441 – Current & Critical – Luticia L. Miller, Embracing Change in Construction with Indigenous Collaboration and Leadership
In this episode, enjoy a deeply insightful conversation with Luticia Miller, Vice President of Project Development at First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), President & Partner at Drive Modular Company, and a proud Cree-Métis woman. She unpacks the pressing challenges in the construction industry, from resistance to change due to fears and time constraints, to the ever-important human element in technology and safety. Luticia also shares invaluable perspectives on creating an inclusive workplace and the significance of First Nations' voices in project planning.
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E440 – Current & Critical – Derek Hovinga, Shaping Startup Success: Insights on Inbound Marketing and Industry Trends
In this episode, quench your curiosity about content marketing with Inbound & Content Marketing Specialist, Derek Hovinga. Gain valuable insights into balancing creative content with technical optimization, understanding the non-linear customer journey, and the significance of staying top-of-mind through retargeting. The episode also touches on the importance of fostering innovation hubs and collaboration within the startup community. Derek shares his enthusiasm for tech conferences and his optimistic outlook on the evolving startup environment in Western Canada.
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E439 – Current & Critical – Charles Osuji, Fostering Innovation and Diversity in the Legal Sector: A Journey of Growth and Mentorship
In this episode, get a legal education with Charles Osuji, the CEO and Managing Partner of Osuji & Smith Lawyers. Born from his remarkable journey from Nigeria to Calgary, Charles shares how embracing challenges and seizing opportunities have shaped his path and the growth of his firm. Learn how critical mentorship was in Charles's journey and how he now extends this by fostering a supportive environment for internationally trained lawyers through his 'Foot in the Door Initiative.'
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E438 – Current & Critical – Michael Gaudet, Exploring the Power of Fractional CMOs in Competitive Marketing
In this engaging episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Michael Gaudet, Principal at 80 20 CMO, to explore the impactful world of fractional CMOs and their role in driving business success. Michael delves into his strategic playbook for launching as a fractional CMO, highlighting the importance of a hyper-niche model and the delivery of targeted value to specific use cases. Gain an in-depth understanding of how fractional CMOs can offer critical marketing leadership without the burden of a full-time hire, particularly for scaling companies that have raised venture capital.
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E437 – Current & Critical – Elliot D. Schneier, Insights on Scaling Startups, Market Trends and Mastering Remote Work
In this episode, hear from Elliot Schneier, the dynamic COO of Virtual Gurus. Join us as we explore Elliot’s profound journey from helping founders raise over $750 million at Fundable, to his current role at Virtual Gurus, where he’s at the forefront of innovative AI-powered virtual assistant technology. Elliot shares invaluable insights on the shifting landscape of venture capital, emphasizing the critical pivot towards seed and pre-seed funding. He also discusses the unique opportunities emerging in secondary cities like Calgary, the evolving role of remote work, and the exciting sectors driving entrepreneurship’s future.
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E436 – Current & Critical – Jennifer Massig, Revolutionizing Engineering: Community-Focused Innovation and a New Workplace Culture
In this episode, discover an innovative approach to engineering and workplace culture with Jennifer Massig, CEO of MAGNA Engineering Services. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from embracing engineering to innovating in community-based water treatment solutions, highlighting the power of listening and consensus in creating solutions that align with community values. Jennifer began her own business to ensure substantial flexibility as a single mom of two young girls, and that flexibility is baked into MAGNA’s culture, as it introduced a four-day workweek to provide a culture of care across its team.
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E435 – Current & Critical – Jen Lussier, Fostering Community and Connections in Calgary’s Tech Industry
In this episode, get a detailed look at the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Calgary, particularly within the tech sector with Jen Lussier, COO of Platform Calgary. Jenn delivers a comprehensive run-down of the support structures available to entrepreneurs in Calgary, the importance of non-traditional business environments like mixed-use spaces, and the vision of creating a community-centric hub akin to a 'central library' for tech.
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E434 – Current & Critical – Colleen Pound, How to Transform Professional Services with Data & Analytics
In this episode, explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship and innovation with Colleen Pound, CEO and Co-Founder of Proxure. Colleen unveils her latest venture, Proxure, which aims to revolutionize professional services procurement with cutting-edge data analytics, starting with the legal sector. From motivations to milestones, Colleen shares her path to becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of addressing genuine client pain points and integrating customer feedback into product development.
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E433 – Current & Critical – Aleia Robin, Branch Out Bike Tour 2024 – A Must-Attend Event
In this episode, discover how to pedal your way to progress, accelerating tech solutions for neurological disorders with Branch Out Neurological Foundation’s annual Bike Tour and Aleia Robin, Managing Director. The Branch Out Bike Tour is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, which has contributed to the over $3.5M raised to date for neurological research.
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E432 – Current & Critical – Kevin Crowe, Mission for Miles – 1,400 KM in the Yukon to Raise $ for a Great Cause
In this episode, discover why, after a life-altering battle with Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as the suicide disease due to the excruciating pain it causes, ultra-marathon-participant and senior executive Kevin knew he could come back stronger than ever. His next ambitious project? A 1,400-kilometre-long trek through the Yukon, split between a summer paddleboarding down the Yukon River and a winter expedition on foot. Why take on this extreme event? To raise 37 flights for his charity, Give A Mile.
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E431 – Current & Critical – Dan Balaban, Exposing the Realities: Navigating the Storm of Renewable Energy Politics
In this episode, explore the challenging dynamics of Alberta’s renewable energy sector with Dan Balaban, Co-Founder and CEO of Greengate Power. Dan emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, fostering collaboration over confrontation, and the coexistence of different energy forms to create a robust system. While navigating skepticism and embracing a history that teaches us never to take peace for granted, Dan suggests how business leaders can drive change and advocate for an inclusive, resilient energy future for all.
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E430 – Current & Critical – Jamie L. Smith, CFO Confessions: How Embracing Your Financials Can Save Your Business from Disaster
In this episode, pull back the curtain on unspoken challenges that growth businesses face with Jamie L. Smith, Co-Founder of Amplify Advisors and CPA. Jamie’s insider perspective can help you make sense of cash flow difficulties that can arise during a business’s expansion and the often under-acknowledged value of a proactive financial approach. Through client stories and practical advice, Jamie delivers an optimistic view on the resurgence of business activity post-pandemic.
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E429 – Current & Critical – Crystal Phillips, Collaborative Spirit and Impactful Entrepreneurship in the Alberta Startup Scene
In this episode, discover what happens at the crossroads of innovation and entrepreneurship with Crystal Phillips, Venture Capitalist at Thin Air Labs and Co-Founder of Branch Out Neurological Foundation. She explores the world of startups, investment capital, and the transformative power of resilience and positivity in business. From conception to commercialization, Crystal has insights into Thin Air Labs’ approach, including fractional talent access and the unique challenges of raising capital.
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E428 – Current & Critical – Dr. Michael Mousseau, The Neuroscience of Psychological Safety in the Workplace
In this episode, discover the importance of mental health -- and how to foster it at your workplace — with Dr. Michael (Mike) Mousseau, Business Development & Mental Health Programs Manager at GreenShield. As a behavioural neuroscientist, he understands how to develop training and employee programs that can holistically prevent and treat mental health challenges faced by employees. He also explains how psychological safety has evolved and the importance of it on high-performing teams. Dr. Mike also covers the significance of new-generation leaders and how they’re changing organizations with curiosity and openness. His candid approach to complex and nuanced topics makes them easy to understand and apply to your company.
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