Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

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 Media
• Futurpreneur Alberta 

Show 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 Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Innovations
• Creative Destruction Labs - Rockies
• Avatar Innovations  
  
  

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Innovation
• Calgary Innovation Peer Forum 
   

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:

• TechJutsu
• Alberta Catalyzer
• House 831 

Show Quotes:

"Hackers are increasingly targeting the weakest link - the customer service desk"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:

• ITONICS 
   

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Ventures
• Valhalla Private Capital
• G2V Optics 

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Unity 

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Network
• Platform Calgary
• Startup TNT
• Avatar Innovations
• Thin Air Labs
• Council of Canadian Innovators
• McMaster University 
   

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 leadership
coach (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 Academy  

Show 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 Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan