Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea chats with Rama Swami, a dedicated pelvic health physiotherapist turned entrepreneur. The conversation delves into Rama's unique journey from a clinician in India to an immigrant entrepreneur in Canada. They explore the surprises and challenges of entrepreneurship, including embracing the unknown and overcoming the urge to quit. Rama shares insightful anecdotes about balancing her professional life with family responsibilities while humorously recalling her "runaway uterus" story. The discussion highlights the significance of women's health issues often overlooked in the medical community, emphasizing the power of education and empowerment.

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: Rama Swami is a leading voice in women’s health in Calgary and a Pelvic health physiotherapist. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Physiotherapy. Inspired by her own postpartum journey, she’s dedicated to helping women navigate everything from pregnancy to menopause with empathy and evidence-based care. Beyond the clinic, Rama is also an entrepreneur, building innovative technology to make pelvic health support more accessible. She’s a passionate advocate, speaker, and educator—on a mission to break the silence around women’s health. 

Show Links:

• Heal with Grit 

Show Quotes:

"I had to embrace the unknown and just be okay with it, and then figure out what is the next step."
"Being okay in that being okay or being comfortable in the vulnerable space is what makes the whole journey so exciting."
"It's almost never the case where I dread the work or feel drained; it's exciting to pull up my laptop and do this."

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". Her guest, Dee Higdon, takes us on a journey through her dynamic career as a strategic marketing consultant. Listen in as Dee shares her unique approach to helping businesses maximize their potential by becoming an integral extension of their team. She emphasizes the importance of deep connection with clients and the immense satisfaction derived from witnessing transformative results. Dee also conveys the surprises she brings to her clients with her hands-on involvement and diverse experience in marketing and communications. This episode is filled with practical advice for female entrepreneurs, encapsulating lessons on embracing growth through continuous learning and authentic self-expression.

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: Dee Higdon is a marketing consultant who helps businesses shine brighter online.✨She combines expert guidance and seamless execution, helping you see the way—and then walking it with you, step by step. 

Show Links:

• Dee Higdon Creative 

Show Quotes:

"I am a success sidekick, in addition to a marketing consultant. I'm here to see your success happen and to drive it forward."
"The more you try to appeal to everybody, the less effective your marketing is; lean into authenticity."
"You're never done learning, and sometimes you have to take action even if you're not 100% prepared or confident."

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 engages with Stina Brown to delve into the intricate relationship between personal growth and organizational success. Stina shares her insights on the necessity of inner development for leaders, emphasizing how one's relationship with themselves sets the tone for their interactions within a team. The conversation highlights the transformative power of diversity and psychological safety within organizations, arguing that true leadership thrives in an environment where differences are embraced and individuals feel secure to express their authentic selves. Through vivid storytelling and practical examples, Stina unpacks the importance of addressing biases, fostering trust, and creating cultural shifts that propel collective success.

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: Stina Brown (she/they) is a trusted guide in leadership, strategy, and cultural transformation. With nearly two decades of experience working alongside executives, boards, and teams across North America, Stina helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity with clarity, creativity, and courage. Through EnACT collective, they design and facilitate processes that strengthen trust, align vision, and spark bold collaboration, blending visual facilitation, deep listening, and innovative tools (including AI) to illuminate new possibilities.

Stina’s work spans sectors from education to healthcare, nonprofits to mission-driven businesses, always with a focus on building cultures of authenticity, relational intelligence, and shared purpose. At the heart of it all is a commitment to artistry, clarity, and trust—helping people and organizations build the world we know is possible. 

Show Links:

• EnACT Collective Inc.
• Devout Coming Out Sessions 

Show Quotes:

"Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have."
"Diversity is a strength if an organization all thinks the same way... having a diverse team of diverse thinkers, people with diverse life experience, neurodivergence, creativity – that's what breeds innovation."
"If you don't do anything with the culture intentionally, you're gonna get the default culture. And default cultures go back... to our survival instincts."

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" and we dive into the world of entrepreneurship with Pam Carteri, co-founder of a boutique recruitment firm, Laviolette and Associates. Pam shares her transformative journey from enduring daily imposter syndrome to finding resilience and purpose in her work. She discusses the importance of intuition in business decisions, the role of strong personal networks, and the unique challenges and rewards that come with being a female entrepreneur. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.

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: Pam Carteri has over 20yr experience in engineering and consulting spanning the energy, infrastructure, technology, innovation and manufacturing sectors. Today, her and her business partner run a Calgary-based boutique recruitment firm serving clients across North America, working with clients to plan for and place top people leaders and technical experts. Pam possesses a natural ability to connect quickly with others, decipher information and to establish cohesive teams working towards strategic goals with common understanding and mutual respect. Her energy and authenticity is contagious.

Show Links:

• Laviolette and Associates 

Show Quotes:

"I always laugh that our IT is the worst. And also I am the head of IT."
"Just because you chose to be in this doesn't mean it's gonna be wonderful every day."
"Entrepreneurship is very much like parenting...everyone has an opinion even if you didn't ask for it."

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" and chats with lawyer and entrepreneur Megan Chambers. Megan shares her journey in founding Megan Chambers Law, which focuses on wills, estates, corporate, and business law. They explore the challenges and surprises of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of being client-centric and breaking stereotypes. Megan also offers candid advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs and relays a wild story involving a life-sized metal unicorn.

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: Megan Chambers Megan Chambers Law is a Calgary-based business and estates firm that provides inclusive, affordable, and expertly guided legal services. The firm’s owner Megan Chambers is a Calgary-raised entrepreneur who believes in the power of community. She specializes in working with small businesses and entrepreneurs, and in making things easy to understand! Check out her website for more information on her services.

Show Links:

• Megan Chambers Law 

Show Quotes:

"People are really the backbone of my business... if I didn't have the clients that I had, I don't think I could keep going."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and legal fees are a very expensive pound of cure."
"Just doing the damn thing... if you have a business idea and you're passionate about it, just jump in. The universe will look after you."

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" and engages with entrepreneur Thea Rouble. Thea shares her unconventional path to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the intuitive journey that led her to co-found multiple successful companies, including a pipeline construction firm and the innovative software company, Opolee. Through candid discussions, Thea highlights the surprising challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the power of human connection in business. Listeners will gain insights into navigating adversity, the essential role of authenticity in female entrepreneurship, and the unexpected moments that reassure us we are on the right path.

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: Thea Rouble brings over 15 years of experience in the energy industry, with a strong focus on operational processes and financial oversight. As a passionate and driven leader, Thea is deeply committed to helping businesses become the best version of themselves..

Show Links:

• Opolee Solutions Inc. 

Show Quotes:

"Growth comes with some pain... It's in those moments of discomfort where you need to rise to adversity."
"We started building this software program for internal use, but it turned into something bigger than ourselves."
"If you are working towards your goal and it's where you're meant to be, it will work out."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode of the LIBI podcast, host Rea Hailley begins her new series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for", the spotlight is on Cat Seier, who shares her remarkable journey from being unexpectedly laid off to becoming an empowering force in the networking and presentation realm. Seier candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of human connection amidst the digital age, and the significance of embracing fears and uncertainties—proving that impactful networking is within everyone's reach. The episode wraps with a personal wild story that highlights Seier’s adventurous spirit, reflecting her belief in diving into life’s experiences with both feet, all while keeping a parachute handy.

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: Cat Seier has over 20 years of experience in operational excellence, training, and community engagement. She believes that connection is the key to success, whether through networking or engaging with an audience. Cat helps professionals transform their expertise into engaging, high-impact workshops and designs networking events that foster real, meaningful connections. She's passionate about helping people soar in their professional lives by making meaningful connections, whether one-on-one or on a stage.

Show Links:

• The Connection Edge 

Show Quotes:

"I need to help these people so that their passion and knowledge can translate and can shine through."
"You don't need more credentials, you just need more space. Take up more space."
"Every person is the right person."

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 engages with Ron Szekely, a seasoned business coach specializing in helping founder-led companies scale effectively. Ron shares his extensive experience transitioning from corporate juggernauts like L'Oreal to coaching smaller enterprises. The conversation highlights the critical transformation needed in leadership and structure for scaling businesses, the challenges of maintaining accountability, and the exciting yet daunting integration of AI in business practices. Ron offers practical strategies to avoid the pitfalls of stagnation and propel businesses towards sustainable growth and innovation.

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: Ron Szekely lives and works at the intersection of creativity and commerce, helping leaders build compelling businesses, brands, and teams with the potential to change the world.

He has always viewed the business world as a delicate dance between art and science. Growing up as a magician performing at children's parties, Ron discovered early on the power of suspending disbelief, imagining potential outcomes, and reading a room. This early fascination centered on unrealized futures, endless possibilities within designed constraints, and parameters of control. Ron studied both marketing and design at university, with ambitions of working in advertising—an environment where controlled creativity serves the needs of business.

Ron’s career in marketing spans 25+ years, including executive roles with global enterprises such as L’Oréal, Sanofi, and Keurig, where he led large teams and managed multi-million-dollar budgets. While he thrived within the structured environment of large corporations, he has also been drawn to the passion and drive found in entrepreneurial ventures. Transitioning to founder-led companies, Ron served as Head of Marketing and Innovation for several of Canada’s fastest-growing consumer goods brands, skillfully blending profitable growth with purpose-driven brand experience.

Ron has experienced the full spectrum of the business world, from large corporate structures to scaling start-ups to founding his own marketing agency. Throughout his journey, he has developed a deep appreciation for the spirit of possibility that fuels growth. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to create BOS360, a proprietary and progressive business coaching methodology and practice. BOS360 fuses the art and science of business across strategy, brand, and team—unlocking growth and cultivating happy, healthy, high-performing companies.

Ron is not a traditional business coach. He immerses himself empathetically in his client’s business to uncover their unique value, asking the uncomfortable questions and leveraging inversion and varied mental models to turn obstacles into opportunities, finding the simple path to greatness. For Ron, true growth is where intelligence becomes creative.

At his core, Ron Szekely is a business idealist, believing that perception is reality. Grounded in truth, he uses optimism to help light the path forward for inspiring entrepreneurs. Ron firmly believes that optimism is a success builder and a strategy that can be operationalized to create scalable businesses and a better future.

Show Links:

• BOS360 

Show Quotes:

"A doom loop happens when you really get caught in the short term... It's making sure that they step back a little bit and recognize that they're in a doom loop."
"It's the only tool that will tell you how to best utilize it ... Have you asked it? ... It will go in detail about the industry overall, about their specific company."
"Becoming better and better at what they do, the more they do it ... creates a momentum where the bigger they get, the easier it gets."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas Podcast hosted by Al Del Degan, the spotlight is on Shaharyar Ahmad, a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for reimagining networking events. Shaharyar shares his intriguing journey from a backpacking global explorer to becoming an innovative event organizer in Calgary. He discusses his pursuit of integrating fun, philosophical discussions, and creative interactions into networking, aiming to create environments that cater to both extroverts and introverts. With a focus on unique venues, curated guest lists, and creative social dynamics, Shaharyar is on a mission to transform the way professionals connect and share ideas.

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: Shaharyar Ahmad is a dynamic community builder known for orchestrating memorable afterparties and fostering vibrant ecosystems through strategic introductions, targeted relationship building, and the cultivation of niche communities. His approach centers on connecting the right people at the right time, enabling innovation and collaboration across diverse circles.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Shaharyar is an avid squash player, an enthusiastic reader of dystopian science fiction, and a passionate backpacker. He is also dedicated to supporting his friends as they launch new business ventures, always eager to lend his expertise and encouragement. Shaharyar’s blend of social acumen and adventurous spirit makes him a valued connector and a driving force in every community he touches.

Show Links:

• Afters
• Jam Social
• AIG insurance
• Shareworks 

Show Quotes:

"When I was DJing and hanging out in the music industry, it was socializing, but so much more fun. What if we apply that same social dynamic to Calgary's corporate world?"
"Calgary is a city for dreamers, you can build here. There's so much room to play, and people are encouraging."
"I'm deeply intrigued by people's 'why'. Introducing philosophical twists at events gives people a shared purpose and helps delve into their deeper selves."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this compelling episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI) podcast, host Al Del Degan sits down with Geoffrey Pradella, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Brain Health Network and incoming chair of the Genome Alberta board. Geoffrey shares his unconventional journey, traversing fields from international relations and law to medicine and ethics. With an inspiring career shaped by bold leaps of faith, Geoffrey discusses his drive to make a difference for neurodevelopmental challenges and the pivotal role of mentorship in steering his path. Listeners are invited to explore the profound connections between innovation, personal motivation, and societal impact through Geoffrey's narrative of resilience and purpose.

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: Geoffrey Pradella is an accomplished professional with a track record of success in negotiation and the facilitation of regional, national, and international agreements and initiatives. His work is primarily focused on health system transformation, medical research and innovation, and medical law and ethics. With qualifications to work in multiple jurisdictions, Mr. Pradella is driven by a passion for improving the lives of patients and society's most vulnerable.

Demonstrating a consistent ability to lead and facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder strategies, Mr. Pradella excels at developing new and visionary strategic directions. He has a proven history of building expanded and improved capacity through evidence-based evaluations and the implementation of innovative solutions. He is dedicated to making a positive and lasting difference to people and their health systems, focusing on the key factors that drive healthcare success.

Show Links:

• Kids Brain Health Network
• Genome Alberta 

Show Quotes:

"None of where I wound up was part of a plan. It was the courage of taking some leaps of faith on the advice of tremendous people."
"The magic happens on the other side of fear. It's all about taking those challenges."
"Getting up every day to make life better for kids with some pretty profound challenges right from the start of life."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan