Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

Hear Daniel Monzon's wisdom on how important networking is, especially for newcomers and immigrants, and how he partnered with Calgary businesses to create an organization to help underrepresented people launch new businesses.

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: Paignton Wild is a recent graduate from the Software Development program at SAIT. He has a strong passion for software development, web design, and all things tech. Throughout the years, Paignton has extensively studied C++, Java, HTML, CSS, React, JavaScript, MERN, and SQL. In addition to his technical skills, he has also ventured into content creation and is currently learning Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve to produce captivating images and videos for his social media platforms.

With his diploma in hand, Paignton is now actively seeking a software development team to join. His favorite aspect of programming is collaborating with others to solve problems and create applications that have a positive impact on people's lives. When he's not engrossed in coding, Paignton enjoys spending time rock climbing, biking, and cooking. Engaging in conversations about science and philosophy is something he finds particularly enjoyable.

Guest: Daniel Monzon started Creative//Social, an Information Management Company in 2015, which grew into a Management Consulting Firm that helps people and organizations bring their ideas to life. He works with people and systems to manage customer service relations and business operations, building capacity and creating value.

Over the past 10 years, Daniel has had the experience of working with different industries, including construction, technology, supply chain, finance, energy, non-for-profit, and all three levels of government: Federal, Provincial, and Municipal.

In 2022, he partnered up with other local Calgary businesses to create CATAPULT STARTUPS, a not-for-profit organization that helps underrepresented people (Including but not limited to, immigrants/newcomers, refugees, people with disabilities, black Canadians, and other minority groups) launch SMEs or Start-Ups. Their mission is to help underrepresented people launch 200 SMEs or Start-Ups in the Alberta ecosystem by 2032, creating 5,000 jobs and generating $3B in direct GDP.

Daniel enjoys volunteering, Liverpool FC, Toronto FC, Cavalry FC, Soccer Canada, and Peru FPF.

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:

• Catapult Startups
• Calgary Innovation Coalition
• Alberta Innovates
• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society
• Calgary Immigrant Womens Association
• Centre For Newcomers
• Momentum
• Immigrant Education Society 

Show Quotes:

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Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan