Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

In this insightful episode of LIBI, host Peter Beaudoin sits down with Jim Flett, the Managing Director of Sturgeon River Utilities. As a 100% Métis community-owned energy marketer based in St. Albert, this trailblazing entity is rewriting the script on indigenous economic development. Jim shares the rigorous, year-long journey of community engagement and democratic voting that led to the company’s launch, highlighting how the venture isn’t just about electricity and natural gas—it's about creating "own-source revenue" to fund local housing and accessible jobs for an aging membership. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of the Alberta energy market or the inspiring path toward community self-sufficiency, this conversation illuminates how local leadership and cultural pride can fuel a thriving, competitive business.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Peter Beaudoin 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: Jim Flett is the Managing Director of Sturgeon River Utilities, bringing over 15 years of experience in banking and finance to his leadership role. He has years of experience reflecting expertise in financial strategy and governance. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Jim serves on various boards, contributing strategic insight and strong oversight across multiple organizations.

Show Links:

• Sturgeon River Utilities 
• St. Albert Metis District 
• Utility Consumer Advocate 

Show Quotes:

"Everything we do is community focused. The structure itself is owned a hundred percent by the St. Albert Métis district."

"If we believe in ourselves enough as Métis community members to start something that will build for opportunities for more Métis people in the future... people will sign up and use those services."

"The ability to make friends and these connections with other Métis people throughout the province is just so important."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this insightful episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Terri Davis, the visionary founder of Profound Talent and oolu. With 25 years of recruitment expertise, Terri shares her journey of transforming a traditionally manual, labor-intensive industry into an agile, AI-driven experience. The conversation dives deep into the rise of the "fractional workforce"—senior-level experts who provide strategic leadership without the full-time price tag—and how Terri’s new platform, oolu, is bridging the gap for scaling companies. Beyond the tech, Terri offers a candid look at the hurdles of being a non-technical founder, from managing international development teams to the financial grit required to fund a dream. It is a masterclass in resilience, market pivoting, and the courage to "work differently."

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Terri Davis is a connector at heart—of people, purpose, and possibility. As the founder of ProFound Talent Inc. and oolu, she brings over 25 years of executive recruitment experience in helping businesses scale by finding the right talent to lead their growth. 

A disruptor, Terri is redefining the future of work through oolu—a one-of-a-kind, AI-assisted platform that not only matches businesses with fractional leaders but manages contracts, payments, and support services in one seamless solution. It’s a disruptive shift in how we hire, how people work, and how organizations access critical leadership, faster and smarter. Think, swipe right to find your next leader.  

With a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA, she’s combined deep business acumen with a genuine passion for helping people thrive—whether through traditional executive search or transformative tech. Her legacy is about more than placements; it's about building strong organizations and better lives through meaningful work.

Show Links:

• oolu.ai 

Show Quotes:

"I want you to dream big, be extraordinary, and be profound. Know you can do it. You are amazing as a human being, so go build your dream."

"Fractional is a part of the changing workforce that's happening. You get an executive leadership level experience that can hop in, work at the level you need, and take it off your plate as a founder so that you can move your business forward."

"Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart, but it's also incredibly invigorating. You definitely have to be dedicated, you have to have a vision, and you have to have resilience."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea chats with Daniella Jasper-Okumagba, the founder of The Bridge, a catering concierge service dedicated to making ethnic food everyday food. Daniella is on a mission to save the corporate world from "treacherous charcuterie boards" by connecting mainstream events with authentic multicultural caterers. She opens up about the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, sharing her personal "24-hour rule" for processing setbacks and why she believes that every "No" is just one step closer to a "Yes." Tune in to hear how she turned a student athlete mindset into business success, and stay for the "wild story" about a breakfast catering nightmare that became the defining moment for her company's quality standards.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: 

Daniella Jasper-Okumagba is the founder of The BRDGE, a catering concierge service dedicated to a singular, bold mission: making authentic ethnic food as accessible as ordering a pizza.

Recognizing that talented chefs often struggle to reach the mainstream market, Daniella built The BRDGE to connect food lovers with incredible home-style meals while supporting local businesses. She specializes in solving the catering challenge for corporate gatherings, weddings, and conferences, helping organizers source high-quality, diverse menus that satisfy multicultural teams and complex dietary restrictions alike.

By delivering convenience without compromising on authenticity, Daniella is working to make international food "everyday food"—building bridges one meal at a time.

Show Links:

• The BRDGE 

Show Quotes:

"I found that there was a lack of ethnic food representation when it comes to events in schools and industrial areas... and that we're saved from the treacherous charcuterie boards and dry sandwiches at every conference that we attend."

"I have a 24 hour rule for myself. Whenever I face a rough day in general as an entrepreneur, I take that day. I feel all the feelings, I get sad, do whatever I need to do, but the next day I just jump back right back into it."

"There can't be another you... yes, someone can replicate that, but when it comes to a brand or people's connection to a brand, there's nobody that can replace how you make them feel."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea sits down with the unstoppable Bibiana Cala—an anthropologist, serial entrepreneur, and champion of the Circular Economy Club of Calgary. Bibiana challenges us to look beyond the convenience of modern consumerism and understand how every purchase connects to a global ecosystem. From the unintended consequences of clothing donations to the philosophy of the "donut economy," she offers a compelling roadmap for a more sustainable future. But this conversation goes deeper than just business and sustainability; Bibiana opens up vulnerably about her journey with ADHD and depression, revealing how she learned to embrace her strengths as a visionary and delegate the rest. Tune in to hear how focusing on changing "your own small corner" can have a massive ripple effect, and stick around for a truly wild story about how she manifested an international move to Norway in less than a week!

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Bibiana Cala is passionate about fostering personal growth, community development, and sustainability across sectors. With a background in anthropology, she brings a people-centered perspective to creating meaningful and lasting impact. Over the years, she has supported individuals, businesses, and communities through entrepreneurship training, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development projects. As Co-Founder of Huginn Insight, Bibiana is expanding this work into supply chain management and sustainability, helping small businesses and organizations build more transparent, responsible, and resilient practices. Guided by integrity, collaboration, and a deep love for her family, she believes that authentic connections and shared knowledge can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Show Links:

• Circular Calgary 

Show Quotes:

"If we don't do things in a different way, we're just affecting us and we are making things harder for more people. It's not just the planet. The planet has been here... millions, billions of years... The universe is going to be here even without us."
"I know some people say, 'You're not going to change the world.' It doesn't matter. If I can change a little bit the corner I am, that's enough."
"Just think twice when you're going to buy something. Say, 'Okay, can I find this secondhand? Can I do, maybe I have something at home I can reuse? Can I ask someone if they have it? Do I really need this or I want it?'... That actually makes a difference."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this "Where Are They Now?" episode, host Al Del Degan reconnects with Robert Herritt, the mastermind behind Styro Ventures. Since his last appearance on LIBI in 2021, Robert has transformed a local recycling initiative into a national juggernaut, expanding from a single pickup truck in Calgary to operations spanning Canada and soon the United States. Robert pulls back the curtain on the circular economy, debunking the myth that Styrofoam is non-recyclable garbage and revealing how it is being transformed into everything from home insulation to cabinetry. We also dive into his cutting-edge "Styro Track" software—a transparency tool that lets clients track their waste in real-time, ensuring it never hits a landfill. If you are interested in green tech, rapid business scaling, or simply want to know where your recycling fees actually go, you cannot afford to miss this conversation.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

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: Robert Herritt, Serial entrepreneur for 20 years. From airline pilot background to Eco-innovator. Helping put Canada on the world map in leading the charge to a zero-plastic waste future.

Show Links:

• Styro Ventures 

Show Quotes:

"We finally found the on ramp to the motorway and we're picking up speed... here we are at the end of 2025 and we've gone national coast to coast and, soon down into the US."
"It is a fantastic raw material that we're just discarding... We can make the plastics industry in Alberta a completely closed loop... There's no reason why we need to take virgin resin and make garbage bags and then put it in the ground."
"We call it Styro Track... we wanted to be able to give people an Iron Clad assurance as to where the material is when we pick it up, and then what happens to it to be able to show completely where it goes and what happens to it and how it gets recycled."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this compelling episode host Rea Hailley sits down with Nyasha Katedza, a Medical Laboratory Assistant turned "Healthpreneur" and founder of BioInsight DNA and Blood Services. Driven by the stark reality of rural healthcare, where neighbors drive hundreds of kilometers just for blood work, Nyasha is on a mission to democratize access to care for marginalized communities.

Together, they peel back the curtain on the unglamorous side of entrepreneurship, discussing the relentless workload, the bias against founders over 30, and why "necessity" is the ultimate driver for innovation in low-resource settings. The conversation culminates in a jaw-dropping "Wild Story" involving a winter ravine crash, a suspicious rescue attempt, and a shocking run-in with the RCMP that serves as a chilling reminder of why safety protocols are non-negotiable for female founders.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Nyasha Katedza, a CSMLS- and BCSLS-certified Medical Laboratory Assistant with a CMLA from Camosun Colege and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Emory University. After working in both public hospital labs and private diagnostics, she saw firsthand how access to care can shape outcomes. That experience inspired her to found BioInsight DNA & Blood Services, a specimen collection company dedicated to bringing high-quality, equitable diagnostics to every community, especially the disabled and home-bound.  Nyasha’s work bridges science, compassion, and innovation - all driven by a belief that everyone deserves a health system that challenges disparities and provides equitable access to care.

Show Links:

• BioInsight DNA & Blood Services Inc. 

Show Quotes:

"We wanna think about flowers and butterflies when it comes to entrepreneurship, but a lot of times as a female entrepreneur, you have to consider safety... taking some courses in self-defense is not such a bad idea either."
"I think most people would be surprised to learn that I'm not a spring chicken... A lot of funding is focused on youth entrepreneurship and there needs to be a conversation about that as well. It's like once you reach 30 or older, then you have no ideas and you have no vision."
"If you ever meet an entrepreneur from a rural or remote area, they're building and they're building without funding... what drives them is necessity for themselves and for their neighbors."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea Hailley sits down with Debbie Van Camp, founder of Connected Business Women Network (CBWN), to explore 16 years of building a community where female entrepreneurs come together as collaborators rather than competitors. Debbie shares why women network differently than men and why creating a safe space to ask for help—something many women struggle with—has been central to her mission. From the fulfillment of entrepreneurship to the faces in the room that keep her motivated through challenging times, Debbie opens up about resilience, tenacity inherited from her Dutch immigrant father, and the surprising adventures she's embraced later in life—including a heart-pounding NASCAR ride along at 200 miles per hour. 

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Debbie Van Camp has been the owner of CBWN for over 16 years. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to bringing together business women and entrepreneurs through distinct monthly luncheons and special events.

Show Links:

• CBWN 
• CBWN on LinkedIn 

Show Quotes:

"I believe that it's really important to have women collectively in a room sharing ideas, sharing success, even sharing unsuccessful stories, learning personally and professionally."
"We think asking for help is failure, and we can do it all. We're expected to clean the house, shop the groceries, keep the baby happy, and run the business. I think it's quite the opposite actually."
"We've heard so many times about the time you're going to give up is about the time you're gonna have your greatest success. Hope is life—and without hope, without stepping back and taking a breath, it's never give up."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this moving and insightful episode of LIBI, host Rea Hailley sits down with Cindy Sim, the CEO and Founder of Team CarePal. Cindy’s journey into tech entrepreneurship wasn’t planned—it was born out of necessity at the bedside of her loved ones. From caring for a premature infant to navigating end-of-life care for grandparents, Cindy experienced the crushing burnout that 1 in 4 Canadians face today. She channeled that struggle into building a "connected care ecosystem" that bridges the gap between families, communities, and healthcare systems. Cindy gets incredibly raw about the realities of being a female founder, why "ignorance" was her greatest asset in launching a tech company without a tech background, and the vital importance of co-designing solutions with the people who actually use them. Plus, you won't want to miss her "wild story" involving a snowboarding tow rope and a mechanical disaster! 

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Cindy Sim is the CEO and Founder of Team CarePal, a company she established based on her personal caregiving experience to support the millions of family care partners caring for loved ones. Cindy is building more than just an app; she is building a connected care ecosystem.

Her vision is to provide one integrated pathway where care partners, families, and neighbors use a single platform to navigate the journey from hospital to home, community, and senior care. Through Team CarePal, Cindy has co-designed specific programs—Together Going Home, Together We Care, and Together in Care—that bridge the gap between families and the healthcare organizations they rely on. By streamlining communication and delivering tailored services, Cindy’s work focuses on preventing burnout and ensuring families remain connected and supported throughout the care journey.

Show Links:

• Team CarePal 

Show Quotes:

"I found myself burning out in levels of distress, crying between vehicles and parking lots and just feeling so lost and unseen. So Team CarePal was actually born at the bedside of my loved ones and grew from there."
"I think that ignorance was my superpower that allowed me to take the first step and start going because I didn't really understand or fully get what I was walking into."
"We don't make a move. We don't add anything. We don't build anything until it comes from that lived, true, authentic experience. And they guide us through what we're doing and where we're going."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this powerful episode Rea sits down with Intuitive Healing and Breakthrough Coach Kirstey Jane for a logical, no-fluff guide to mastering your inner world. Kirstey reveals why so many high-achievers get stuck in cycles of self-sabotage, emotional reactions, and chasing approval. She shares her unique, logic-based model for cutting through the "stories" we tell ourselves, helping clients achieve massive breakthroughs in hours, not months. This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to stop being controlled by their emotions, turn their triggers into triumphs, and finally unlock the abundance that’s waiting for them. 

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Kirstey Jane specializes in helping men cut through the patterns that hold them back—fast. Her approach is free of fluff and "therapy talk," offering direct, results-driven breakthroughs that empower clients to get back in control of their career, relationships, and life. Whether through a one-time reset or ongoing support, Kirstey meets clients where they are, helping them reconnect with clarity, focus, and confidence.

Show Links:

• Kirstey's Website 

Show Quotes:

"Life is actually very, very simple. We just overcomplicate it with all of our stories, our feelings and our emotions and we get so lost."
"A trigger is a gift. And that's the thing. People don't see that. When we get triggered, that's showing us where we need to pay attention. What is our thinking doing?"
"Life is always evolving and you have to go with it. So growth is always going to be there somewhere. And the more you avoid, the more it's going to hit you in the butt."
"If your going through hell, keep going. You don't want to be stuck there."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea brings you the story of Kristen Carrier, the "Chocolate Scientist" and co-founder of 7 Summit Snacks. Kristen reveals why selling chocolate is surprisingly one of the hardest jobs in the world, even when 80% of people love it. She dives into the "nerdy" science of how high-quality chocolate provides not just physical fuel but an essential emotional lift for life's marathons. But the heart of this episode is the unbelievable, wild origin story behind her brand — a story born from a high-altitude tragedy on Mount Everest that became a final, beautiful gift of inspiration. This is a conversation about resilience, intuition, and building a legacy.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas!

Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Kristyn Carriere is a food innovator and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience developing some of the world’s best-known chocolate brands. During her career in Europe, she worked with global leaders including Cadbury, Milka, Green & Black’s, and Godiva, where she honed her expertise in product development and global market launches.

In 2019, Kristyn returned to Canada and co-founded 7 Summits Snacks with her sister, Leanna. What began as a vision to merge performance nutrition with premium chocolate has since grown into a women-owned Canadian brand fueling active and adventurous lives and redefine the role of chocolate in functional nutrition.

Show Links:

• 7 Summits Snacks 

Show Quotes:

"Chocolate gives you this emotional lift like a carbohydrate gel or a Clif Bar is never going to do for you."
"A lot of the times women want to have all the answers before they even start something... you know what, you might as well just start."
"This wave of inspiration that I had received was like a gift from him in his final moment."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan