Afleveringen
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This is the first episode of a Futurpreneur sponsored series where each episode highlights a unique founder, diving into the inspiration, challenges, and innovations driving their success in Alberta. From idea to impact, hear firsthand how these entrepreneurs are contributing to Alberta’s future and learn what it takes to build and sustain a business today.
Drawing from his DoorDash experience, Davis Yates is building more than just an advertising platform – he's creating a culture of autonomy and trust. By partnering with Uber, Uber Eats, and Skip the Dishes drivers, Wrapped Media connects businesses with an expansive network of mobile advertising opportunities.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
Host: Mo Al-Taqatqa brings a diverse background spanning finance, IT, space tech, agritech, banking, fundraising, education, nonprofits, and telecom, offering a unique perspective on business growth and innovation.
With years of experience, Mo has supported hundreds of startups across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, specializing in business planning, sales strategies, marketing, operations, and securing critical funding.
Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur, Canada’s leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs aged 18–39, Mo collaborates closely with emerging business leaders to overcome challenges and secure essential financing. In addition, Mo focuses on expanding Futurpreneur's partner and mentor network across Alberta, with a particular emphasis on the Calgary Metropolitan Region.
Host: Marie-Laure Polydore is a senior business development professional with over 15 years experience supporting SME’s. She has a passion for entrepreneurship, the environment and community economic development. Marie-Laure gained her experience through various industries from the clothing, the paper, the telecommunications industries, to the non-profit sectors. Bilingual, she gave herself the mission to support as many entrepreneurs as possible and she is well position to do so.
Guest: Davis Yates is a co-founder of Wrapped Media, a new out-of-home (OOH) advertising company that wraps rideshare and food delivery vehicles in ads for prominent Canadian brands such as Walmart, Wendy's, and Sobeys. Before founding Wrapped Media, Davis was among the first 300 employees at DoorDash, where he helped build the data and software stack for an 800+ person sales team. Davis is based in Calgary and enjoys spending time with his wife, playing golf, and walking his Corgi, Georgia.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Wrapped MediaFuturpreneur AlbertaShow Quotes:
“It’s a personal decision to become a moving billboard. These drivers—who are on the road for hours every day—have to be comfortable with the idea that people are going to be looking at them all the time.”"Sometimes, working with your community is like creating revenue for everyone involved. It’s not just business—it’s local impact.""The relationship between business partners is foundational to a business's success. If it’s not right, nothing else will be."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: Futurpreneur Canada
Episode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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This episode, hosted by Mike Procee explores Evok Innovations' unique investment approach in early-stage clean tech companies, highlighting their hands-on strategy of leading deals and providing active board guidance. Learn about the delicate balance of corporate-startup partnerships, described as potentially "magical" but requiring careful navigation due to changing corporate dynamics.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: Erin Madro is an energy-industry professional with more than a decade of experience providing engineering, sustainability, and innovation expertise across all phases of value creation. With roles spanning both strategy and leadership, she has been an influential thought leader across major North American energy enterprises. As a Principal at Evok Innovations, she brings her expertise in business strategy & operations to the center of all Evok investments.
Erin is active on the board of Evok portfolio company: SensorUp.
Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical & Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. She’s an active volunteer in clean technology and diversity ventures, and she has been recognized by the Globe & Mail as one of Canada’s top 50 “Changemakers” in business.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Evok InnovationsCreative Destruction Labs - RockiesAvatar InnovationsShow Quotes:
"it's a great hybrid where Evoke kind of plays that, the startup, you know, how to make this work, but we also work really closely with the corporate partners that we have."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This is the first episode of a Futurpreneur sponsored series where each episode highlights a unique founder, diving into the inspiration, challenges, and innovations driving their success in Alberta. From idea to impact, hear firsthand how these entrepreneurs are contributing to Alberta’s future and learn what it takes to build and sustain a business today.
In this episode Discover how Canada's first all-women and queer-founded brewing company is shaking up the industry through innovative business practices and inclusive leadership. Christina, Excel Brew's founder, transformed a COVID-19 job loss into a thriving $350,000 revenue company that's redefining success in the brewing world.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
Host: Mo Al-Taqatqa brings a diverse background spanning finance, IT, space tech, agritech, banking, fundraising, education, nonprofits, and telecom, offering a unique perspective on business growth and innovation.
With years of experience, Mo has supported hundreds of startups across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, specializing in business planning, sales strategies, marketing, operations, and securing critical funding.
Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur, Canada’s leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs aged 18–39, Mo collaborates closely with emerging business leaders to overcome challenges and secure essential financing. In addition, Mo focuses on expanding Futurpreneur's partner and mentor network across Alberta, with a particular emphasis on the Calgary Metropolitan Region.
Host: Marie-Laure Polydore is a senior business development professional with over 15 years experience supporting SME’s. She has a passion for entrepreneurship, the environment and community economic development. Marie-Laure gained her experience through various industries from the clothing, the paper, the telecommunications industries, to the non-profit sectors. Bilingual, she gave herself the mission to support as many entrepreneurs as possible and she is well position to do so.
Guest: Christina Owczarek XhAle Brew Co.’s founder Christina Owzarek is a Canadian immigrant, Australian expat, & forever citizen of the world. Dedicated to adventure, knowledge, growth, community success & craft beer, Christina has channeled these passions into starting a brewing brand which creates provocative beer for conscious thinkers & drinkers. It is a culmination of over a decade of craft beer travel & study, seven years of professional experience in industry - including being the first woman to teach in the Brewmasters program at Olds College - and a lifetime of trying to find her purpose.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
XhAle Brew Co.Show Quotes:
"Equity isn't only about money; it's about the tools, time, and talent you bring to the table.""The real strength of a business is surrounding yourself with people smarter than you.""Our approach gives people autonomy and trust in what they do, that's where real innovation happens."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: Futurpreneur Canada
Episode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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This episode, hosted by Mike Procee, features an insightful conversation with Jeremiah Gardner, founder of Gardner Innovation. The discussion dives deep into the world of corporate innovation, exploring how innovation can be embedded as a core value within organizations. From building a culture of experimentation to navigating challenges faced by corporate innovators, Jeremiah shares valuable strategies and personal experiences. If you're keen on unlocking the secrets of effective corporate innovation and hearing practical tips from an industry leader, this episode is a must-listen!
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: Jeremiah Gardner is a recognized expert at the intersection of innovation and leadership, bringing years of experience in translating complex innovation concepts into practical, actionable systems for global organizations. Known for his empathetic and experimental leadership style, he has worked with industry leaders like Roche Pharmaceuticals, American Family Insurance, and ING Holding Group to reshape their innovation frameworks. His strategic insights have also supported initiatives for major brands, including GE, eBay, Nike, Unilever, and AIA, helping them harness change as a driving force for progress.
An engaging speaker, Jeremiah has delivered over 100 keynotes in more than 20 countries, blending industry expertise with compelling storytelling to challenge conventional thinking. Beyond his professional achievements, he draws inspiration from his experience as an advanced cave and technical diver, which informs his unique perspective on risk management and problem-solving. Jeremiah is passionate about connecting with fellow innovators and leaders to explore fresh approaches to leadership and innovation, turning challenges into opportunities with lasting impact.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Gardner InnovationCalgary Innovation Peer ForumShow Quotes:
"At the end of the day, innovation is about behavior change. It's not just about new products; it's about shifting how we operate and think.""There's something in the human spirit about wanting to explore, create, and make things better. That drive is what fuels innovation."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode hosted by Peter Beaudoin, Tracy Nyholt discusses Techjitsu's flagship product, Caller Verify, which aims to address the growing problem of hackers impersonating callers to help desks by exploiting knowledge of customer security questions. Tracy explains how this solution emerged from a customer need, and how Techjitsu is targeting large organizations in industries like finance, healthcare, and insurance that have valuable data to protect.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Tracey Nyholt is the Founder & CEO of TechJutsu Inc., a technology startup specializing in Identity & Access Management (IAM) solutions. With 20 years of cyber security expertise, she leads a team that has achieved partner status with Okta & received Okta’s Innovation Award for developing patent-pending Caller Verify. Tracey attributes TechJutsu’s success to the incorporation of principles like simplicity & continuous improvement, which she refined while training as a Black Belt in martial arts.
Tracey champions the advancement of women by sitting on the Board of Women in Communication and Technology, and mentoring individuals looking to further their career in the IAM field. She is a regular speaker at industry forums, webinars, and conferences such as the Directors' Forum Co-operative and Oktane 2023.
She has been featured in CBC's Calgary's Eye Opener Innovator Series, The Top 100 Women Owned Cybersecurity Magazine, University of Calgary's Alumni News, and Women in Identity’s Three Questions with Tracey Nyholt, TechJutsu Founder and CEO.
In 2023, Tracey was nominated and honored as one of Canada’s Top Women in Cybersecurity (presented by IT World Canada).
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
TechJutsuAlberta CatalyzerHouse 831Show Quotes:
"Hackers are increasingly targeting the weakest link - the customer service desk"Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode hosted by Mike Procee, Jonathan Livescault shares his experiences working with corporate innovation teams, emphasizing the need for a more disciplined, data-driven approach to driving tangible results and profits. He outlines the key steps to setting up a successful corporate innovation program.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: Jonathan Livescault is a finance professional turned entrepreneur with a deep passion for innovation. As the Founder and former CEO of Braineet, which was acquired by ITONICS in 2024, he now serves as the Managing Director of ITONICS US, operating out of Miami. Jonathan is committed to advancing the innovation ecosystem, working closely with startups, venture capitalists, and corporate innovators to drive impactful change. A big soccer enthusiast, both as a player and a fan, Jonathan brings energy and focus to every endeavor.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
ITONICSShow Quotes:
"VC firms are finance guys to start with because they invest in innovation. It’s not just innovation projects—it’s very risky, very early-stage. But they can guarantee that they know what they’re doing.""We have some KPIs in place... at the pipeline level, it's a volume game. We're confident in getting results"
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode, we're thrilled to share the fascinating story of Teruel Carrasco, a Chilean-born immigrant who has built a diverse career spanning corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and startups. Teruel's openness to new opportunities and his entrepreneurial spirit have led him on an incredible journey, from his upbringing in Winnipeg to his current role as an angel investor.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.
Guest: Teruel Carrasco is a seasoned venture capital executive with over two decades of experience in executive leadership, business development, and strategy. He currently collaborates with the leadership team at AND Capital Ventures to plot the next phase of growth for the firm, which specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
In addition to his role at AND Capital Ventures, Teruel is a venture partner at 3x Capital, where he assists with fund formation and invests in high-potential ventures. He has a proven track record of investing in and advising successful startups, including Lending Assist, dealcloser, G2V Optics, and Copperstone Technologies.
Teruel is passionate about supporting and mentoring emerging leaders and shares his insights and expertise as a speaker and board member. His mission is to foster innovation, growth, and impact within the startup ecosystem.
Show Links:
AND Capital VenturesValhalla Private CapitalG2V OpticsShow Quotes:
"So for me, I'm all about my angle, my shtick, if you will, is can this, whatever company that I'm going to be involved in, can I effectuate change and growth from a sales perspective, from a customer acquisition perspective, from structuring what go-to-market means and really getting very formulaic and very like one step at a time growth."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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Roger Kingkade, CEO and co-founder of Club Unity, shares the story of how their golf-focused software company started with a golf scoring app but pivoted to developing a comprehensive suite of solutions for golf course operations after understanding the key challenges faced by golf professionals.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Roger Kingkade is the co-founder and Managing Director of Club Unity, a Calgary-based tech company that serves golf courses and private clubs with reservations and business management software. Born and raised in Calgary, Roger believes this is the best place to be building a tech business from the ground up.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Club UnityShow Quotes:
"If you go on our website today, you'll find that we provide accounting software, point-of-sale software, the tea time management system and stuff. But we really had our beachhead by befriending golf professionals, finding the mission-critical piece of software that they need to use, and then we created just that for them."Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this insightful episode, corporate strategy and innovation experts Zoe and Chantel delve into the crucial role of the board of directors in fostering innovation within organizations. They emphasize the importance of the board serving as the "brain" of a company, responsible for setting strategy and managing risk.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: Zoe Harrison is a corporate board director and innovation consultant. She has made her home in Alberta and is committed to growing the local innovation community and creating space for people of all backgrounds to innovate.
Guest: Chantel Cabaj In 2016, Chantel Cabaj (she/her) was inspired by political events to ensure women's voices were entrenched in leadership. With a group of dedicated volunteers, this led to the creation of DirectHer Network, a registered charity committed to demystifying the board experience and expanding the number and types of women and gender diverse people in board service. Since 2016, Chantel has educated thousands on the topic of board governance through DirectHer, private consulting and her online governance company, BoardWell.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
DirectHer NetworkPlatform CalgaryStartup TNTAvatar InnovationsThin Air LabsCouncil of Canadian InnovatorsMcMaster UniversityShow Quotes:
"I like to think of the Board of Directors as the brain. It's the decision maker for this legal thing you've created."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In our latest podcast, Chantal Elliott of 321 Growth Academy shares how her company helps businesses accelerate their growth through sales and marketing training and advisory services. Chantal explains their hands-on, collaborative approach to addressing the fundamentals of sales and marketing - from defining target markets to building strategic sales processes.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Chantel Elliott is a Partner at 321 Growth Academy and helps entrepreneurs and leaders bring their world-changing ideas to life. She has 25+ years of marketing leadership experience in tech startups, large organizations and is a certified leadershipcoach (CPCC, ACC).
Chantel is passionate about helping business leaders make powerful professional impacts. She’s been through the fires of entrepreneurship for the past 12 years, as co-owner of 321 and Material Insight, a leading technology marketing agency. She knows how to build standout brands and products, with deep experience at both the enterprise level (Procter & Gamble) and with smaller companies and startups (Intuit Canada, Kryos, Karo Group, Venture Communications).
But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Chantel is her ability to see connections and imagine opportunities that others don’t. She’ll help you see the future of your business, even when you can’t.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
321 Growth AcademyShow Quotes:
"Sometimes, many times, those early stage founders make a lot of assumptions on what's going to work and what isn't because they haven't had a lot of experience and they haven't been in market for very long."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode, cloud solutions expert Phil Crocker discusses the importance of cloud literacy and maximizing the value of cloud-based services. He emphasizes that the public cloud is not just someone else's data center, but a consumption-based model that can provide scalability and cost-efficiency when used properly.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.
Guest: Phil Crocker is an experienced cloud and IT professional who focuses on helping software companies optimize their SaaS operations, with a strong background in cloud technologies, DevOps, and IT management. His career spans various technical and leadership roles, demonstrating a broad understanding of the technology landscape.
Show Links:
Arcus Cloud ServicesEpisode 241: Al Del Degan hosts Phil CrockerAmazon Web ServicesShow Quotes:
"with SaaS the number one thing is you need to get your product in front of your customer to see if you're doing it right or wrong, and to listen to that customer feedback loop and get it going as quickly as possible."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode, Carlos Almeida, the CEO and founder of Optave, shares his journey from working at a successful CRM in South America to starting his own AI company in Canada to tackle the problem of poor customer service.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Carlos Almeida is the CEO and Founder of Optave, an AI copilot that gives superpowers to enterprise customer support agents. Before launching Optave, Carlos built a successful career in Digital Product Management, holding senior and leadership roles for over a decade in tech startups across various industries. Notably, as Head of Product and Design at Movidesk, a Customer Support company, he played a key role in driving a 20x increase in valuation in less than two years. He also served as Head of Innovation at a major media conglomerate, overseeing a portfolio of websites with over 50 million unique visitors per month.
Carlos holds dual citizenship in Italy and Brazil, speaks three languages fluently, and has an MBA in Investments along with a business degree from South America's top-ranked university, where he won a business competition against 30,000 participants. He also excelled in MIT’s Blockchain specialization course, receiving the highest grades in all exams and assignments.
Starting from humble beginnings in Brazil, Carlos’s journey through the tech industry reflects his resilience and determination. He remains committed to using his skills to deliver meaningful and positive change in the world.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
OptaveAlberta CatalyzerShow Quotes:
"So now for the first time, artificial intelligence can understand context. This wasn't possible before. And by the way, this was based on a research from the University of Toronto in Canada with partnership with Google that allowed all this revolution to happen."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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Tune in as Bidzina Mosiashvili, a beekeeper from Calgary, Canada, shares his journey into the world of beekeeping. From facing challenges like high colony loss rates to finding success in letting bees manage their own processes, Bidzina's story is a testament to the resilience of these incredible insects.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.
Guest: Bidzina Mosiashvili is a marketing analyst by day and a beekeeper by night, bringing a unique, data-driven approach to fueling growth. Just as he analyzes hive data to optimize honey production, he delves into marketing analytics to uncover actionable insights that enhance ROI, one data point at a time. Passionate about sustainable strategies and community building, Bidzina is eager to connect and collaborate on projects that make a difference.
Show Links:
About Bees, Culture & Curiosity PodcastShow Quotes:
"So we just pursued the honey business initially. And then our bees started to die. Our first year, we lost pretty much 14 out of the 24 colonies"
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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Quantum City, an initiative in Alberta, Canada, is building a global ecosystem for quantum science and technology. Managing Director Megan Lee discusses the potential of quantum tech to revolutionize industries like finance, logistics, and environmental monitoring.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Megan Lee is Managing Director of Calgary’s “Quantum City,” with nearly 20 years experience across the full spectrum of research, innovation and commercialization. She has a significant depth of experience in various organizations from operational leadership at a publicly traded biotech company, to the world’s top university-affiliated incubator to a large oncology research and care funder. She is a recognized expert in conducting technical and business due diligence, start-up creation, strategy and management consulting, investment portfolio management and organization management of a growth stage biotech company, where she led the development of new pharmaceutical products and recorded multiple consecutive years of record turnover and profit. She has a MBA in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization and a PhD in Biochemistry.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Quantum CityQConnect 2024Quantized Technologies Inc. (QTI)Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC)Xanadu1Qbit D-Wave SystemsQAI VenturesShow Quotes:
"I like to say that we also, don't really need to understand quantum mechanics to start thinking about the impact that quantum science technology would have on our society."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode, Jason Tschetter, the CEO and founder of Cybercrime Victim Services Canada, discusses the growing problem of cryptocurrency-related cybercrime in Canada.
He explains that nearly 40% of the Canadian population has been victimized by some form of cybercrime, often involving tactics like romance scams, Forex trading platform scams, and "pig butchering" scams.
Tschetter's organization aims to assist victims by helping them track, trace, and recover stolen cryptocurrency, as well as educating law enforcement on how to handle these complex cases.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Originally, Jason Tschetter served as an EMT for the City of Edmonton for several years. To slow down from the front-line life, he began teaching Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers and eventually opened his own CPR Training School. Unfortunately, in 2021, Jason became a victim of cybercrime. This experience fueled his mission to aid victims of cybercrime and cryptocurrency fraud.
Now, with a background in law enforcement and outside source intelligence, Jason continues to work on the front lines—this time helping people recover and find peace of mind by ensuring that real efforts are made to achieve recovery after a cybercrime.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
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Cybercrimes Victims Services CanadaShow Quotes:
"Cryptocurrency is not the devil. It's not something horrendous that's going to ruin the world. It's just the next form of currency. That's all."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this week's podcast, June Barrage, an associate partner at Disruptive Edge, shares insights on how large global companies can tackle their biggest challenges through innovation. Disruptive Edge's focus is on driving tangible results through adjacent innovations, rather than long-term disruptive ideas. June emphasizes the urgency for organizations to innovate and adapt, as 90% of Fortune 500 companies from 1955 have disappeared due to failure to innovate.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: June Barrage has a rich background in spearheading innovation across multiple sectors, including Healthcare, FMCG, and Retail. Her unique experience encompasses roles on both sides of the innovation spectrum – from operationalizing a major corporate innovation team to setting up start-up-centric innovation capabilities.
Known for her ability to build sustainable, ROI-driven innovation functions, June has effectively integrated new practices into established business models, driving market expansion and technological advancement. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of innovation in diverse organizational contexts makes her a respected figure in the industry.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Disruptive EdgeShow Quotes:
"I think there's life before AI and there's life after AI. What we've really been doing at Disruptive Edge is figuring out how to leverage AI to really work within our processes and our methods. It’s a total game changer."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In this episode, Al Del Degan sits down with Bill Hunt, the co-founder of Evans Hunt, a successful digital agency. Bill shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey - from studying philosophy and law to finding his way into the tech industry during the dot-com boom. He talks about the challenges of starting his own agency, navigating cash flow issues, and building a strong team and client relationships.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.
Guest: Bill Hunt Meet Bill, a seasoned expert in interactive advertising and technology with over 25 years of experience. Before co-founding Evans Hunt in 2008, Bill served as Senior Vice President at Critical Mass, one of North America's leading interactive firms. His career has spanned from the bustling streets of Madison Avenue in New York to establishing a major marketing production company in San Jose, Costa Rica. Bill has consulted for and collaborated with global brands such as Cisco, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Clorox, Glassdoor, and Alterra. Under his leadership, Evans Hunt has grown from a two-person startup to a dynamic team of over 115 professionals across Canada. In June 2024, Evans Hunt joined the Miami-based Mod Op network, further expanding its reach across North America.In addition to his professional achievements, Bill was a competitive cyclist and had the opportunity to race alongside Lance Armstrong. “Lance won,” says Bill.
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Evans HuntMod OpShow Quotes:
"We incorporated Evans Hunt in November 2008. As you recall, that was the financial crisis. So the world's collapsing around us. And Dan and I are telling ourselves like this. We're OK. We're OK"
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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Roxanne Molnar, an entrepreneur originally from Ontario, shares her inspiring journey of moving to Alberta and starting her own company, Growth Venture. Drawn by the warm community and beautiful mountains, Roxanne transitioned from waste management to energy management and executive assistance roles, fueling her passion for people and relationships. Encouraged by her network Roxanne launched Growth Venture, providing flexible support to organizations in need of additional resources.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry.
Guest: Roxanne Molnar thrives on building relationships and finding innovative solutions for clients. She excels at diving into industries where she has minimal knowledge, approaching tasks with a fresh perspective, and offering unique insights. Her passion and determination have taught her the importance of collaboration with a strong and positive team to achieve desired success.
Roxanne is known for her key qualities, including being passionate, perseverant, with a strategic mindset to focus on problem solving. She is always eager to learn and grow, a big-picture thinker and loyal beyond expectations.
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Growth Venture 321 Growth Academy InceptionUShow Quotes:
"I think business development in itself is talking a lot about the strategy and the collaboration, what we can do to drive business or increase business. But oftentimes I'll have conversations and people think that it's sales and marketing they need, but it's often a kick in the pants that they might need instead."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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This weeks episode, hosted by Mike Procee, we dive into the world of corporate innovation with Shannon Phillips, co-founder of the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum. Shannon shares his journey from biomedical science to organizational behavior, and how he's helping large companies foster a culture of innovation.Tune in to learn about the power of creating a supportive community for corporate innovators, and how to empower your employees to drive meaningful change.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.
Guest: Shannon Phillips with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, thinks like a scientist to better understand human behavior and decision making.
He’s your go-to for innovation management, organizational change management and organizational behavior, strategic planning, and innovation. He’s also trained in different psychology concepts, such as behavioral psychology, emotional intelligence, and personality psychology.
Shannon loves thinking outside the box and challenging others to do so. He’s people-focused and is always trying to understand why people do what they do.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Unbounded Thinking Innovation Peer ForumShow Quotes:
"Large organizations are already innovating, but what we are talking about here is how they can put a framework around their innovation to increase the speed and the efficiency of their innovation programs."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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In our latest episode, Peter Beaudoin sits down with experienced entrepreneur and sales expert Craig Elias, who shares his insights on building effective sales capabilities for startups in the Alberta ecosystem. Craig emphasizes the importance of proactive, outbound sales efforts - not just relying on marketing. He advises startups to focus on the lean canvas model to clearly define their problem, competition, ideal customers, and unique value.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Craig Elias is LinkedIn user number 3,956 of over a billion users and he has 10,000+ unsolicited endorsements - with over 1,000 of them for his favourite sales topic, lead generation. In both 2018 and 2019, Craig was chosen by LinkedIn as Canada's #1 B2B Sales Expert (#15 globally). Craig’s first startup went from initial launch to being funded by a Tier 1 US-based Venture Capitalist and was twice named by Dow Jones as one of the 50 most promising companies in North America in less than 24 months after launching. He is a Startup Mentor for the Alchemist Accelerator in San Francisco, on an advisory board for South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, a mentor for Techstars in Toronto and has been a National Growth Advisor for Goldman Sachs’ and Babson College’s 10,000 Small Business Program in Boston. Craig is the recipient of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Gold Award of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and, for the last nine years, has been the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary, where he runs Calgary’s Innovation Rodeo and spearheads initiatives like 150 Startups, MVP Mondays, Tech Sales Tuesdays, and Founder Fridays to help people from all walks of life become first-time entrepreneurs. He has an Executive MBA from the University of Calgary, specializing in New Venture Creation and Technology Commercialization and a cross-disciplinary BA from the University of Western Ontario.
Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.
Show Links:
Lean Canvas Model150 StartupsShow Quotes:
"so I'm one of those hardcore sales guys. I'm like outbound, pick up the phone, call somebody, go get customers.""I think if you start getting traction, once you get past 10 customers, you've now got some data."
Credits...This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea MachineEpisode Music: Tony Del DeganCreator & Producer: Al Del Degan
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