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: Mina Demian is the founder of Grants‑Ease AI, a platform helping Canadian nonprofits find the right funder, check alignment, and draft strong grant proposals in 60 minutes using their own impact data. After 15 years helping organizations secure funding, she built the tool she wished existed to save nonprofits time and improve their chances of success. Mina has also worked as a grant strategist, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder, supporting more than 300 startups and helping launch programs at Platform Calgary and InceptionU. She built Grants‑Ease AI solo, proving that deep expertise and AI can move mission-driven work faster.

Show Links:

• Grants-Ease AI 

Show Quotes:

"AI is not necessarily the solution. It is a tool that needs to be tweaked... you want to become the orchestrator of that."

"If you're not getting it in the hands of early users, then you are not actually learning."

"I built a product using Lovable and I do have paying customers... you don't necessarily need a co-founder that's technical."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Julie Cole — a dynamic entrepreneur, recovered lawyer, and mom of six who traded in her legal career to co-found Mabel’s Labels, the award-winning company that transformed from a basement startup into a multi-million dollar industry leader. As Senior Director of Mabel’s Labels, Julie has helped revolutionize the durable label market while becoming a recognized voice in entrepreneurship, parenting, and women’s leadership. She’s an award-winning businesswoman, best-selling author, and in-demand speaker and media contributor, having appeared on major media outlets including NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, The Marilyn Denis Show, CNN, CP-24, and Breakfast Television. Her written work has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Today’s Parent, and more. Julie’s achievements have earned her notable recognition, including the RBC Women of Influence Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Iris Award in Entrepreneurship, to name a few.  Beyond business, Julie is deeply committed to community engagement, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and advocating for women’s rights. Whether she’s keynoting a conference or navigating the chaos of family life, Julie brings authenticity, humour, and heart to everything she does. Follow Julie for inspiration, real talk, and expert insights into entrepreneurship, parenting, and the power of building something meaningful from the ground up.

Show Links:

• Mabel's Labels 

Show Quotes:

"I joke, I'm a recovered lawyer... I wanted to have a little bit of flexibility that I didn't think the traditional workforce probably wouldn't be able to provide." 

"If you stop micromanaging, that's where the magic and the innovation will happen, and you let them do that stuff." 

"Courage is—I always say when life gives me lemons, I make a gin and tonic."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Dawn Leadbetter A registered nurse in Alberta, and a proud alumnus of both the U of A (BScN ’07) as well as the U of C (MN ’24), Dawn has gained extensive knowledge and experience from her clinical RN roles in adult intensive care, teaching clinical courses at MacEwan University in the undergraduate program. Gathering significant system level knowledge in her zone role as a CNE, her passion was focused on utilizing process improvement and change management skills. Since obtaining her MN, with certificates in Healthcare Innovation and Design and Leadership for Health Systems Transformation, Dawn was inspired to take the leap into her own consulting business Nurse Matrix Systems Inc. and began developing a platform aimed at solving one of the most complex workforce and retention problems, understanding and tracking nursing knowledge and skills attainment.

Show Links:

• Nurse Matrix Systems Inc. 

Show Quotes:

"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. That is really where the healthcare ecosystem lives—we fail more often than not when we’re not collaborative."

"A nurse is not just a nurse. Even moving from one ICU to another, there is a learning curve. We need to understand transferable skills to help people function safely and grow over time."

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than that fear."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Jessica Erlendson is a certified Yoga therapist who has completed University level Anatomy, Physiology, Pathologies, Psychology, along with a minor in Anthropology and over 950 hours of Yoga trainings; including Pre & Postal Natal Women's Health. She has been working in the field of peri & post menopause care since 2019 and her support group includes over 12,600 women from across Canada at this time.

Show Links:

• School of Peri/Menopause 

Show Quotes:

"I don't decide for women what they need or don't need. I just find good sources." "As an artist, I don't think it's like that. I'm just gonna offer everything that I can do in a way that makes most sense to me." "It's uncomfortable for everybody...It's a stripping away of those things that no longer serve us."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Sara Stepa is passionate about bridging gaps and reducing barriers for self-proclaimed leaders, solopreneurs, and nonprofits so they can create extraordinary impact. With over a decade of nonprofit experience, she brings specialized expertise in grant writing and strategy and supports her coaching clients with a somatic twist.

As Founder of Circles of Impact, Sara helps organizations and leaders expand their capacity so missions can thrive. A past funder and natural collaborator, she has raised millions in funding and offers deep knowledge in grant strategy, capacity building, and mission alignment. Known for her clarity, energy, and strategic insight, Sara creates spaces where leaders feel empowered to thrive personally and professionally.

Show Links:

• Circles of Impact
• Book: Choosing Fulfillment is Scary AF 

Show Quotes:

"Identity is a huge element to any type of work that we're doing... it creates these barriers and resistance to achieving what you're really trying to achieve." "I finally got sick and tired of trying to fit myself into someone else's mold." "Freedom's a really big one, and anytime I think, I don't wanna do this anymore, I'm like, okay. Do I wanna go back to a nine to five? No, I don't."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Ina Maria Toncescu is a marketing strategist who helps businesses cut through the noise and get results. With over 17 years of experience, she turns scattered social, SEO, and website development into cohesive strategies that actually work. As CEO of noLMIT Marketing, Ina is known for simplifying the complex, sharpening brand voices, and building momentum for growth. Off the clock, she’s a proud black cat enthusiast and nature lover who believes curiosity and boldness are the best strategies in business and in life.

Show Links:

• noLMIT Marketing 

Show Quotes:

"It's loving every single thing that I do, but also loving life as a result of doing every single thing that I love." "The better you do, the better I do... my baby is my work to you, my delivery to you. But your baby is your business." "You are the one that's going to have to lead that path and walk it."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Roxy Querouz is the founder of Morpho Corporation, providing industry-agnostic on-demand operations partnership to established companies, as well as trusted growth advising for early-stage microbusinesses. With almost 30 years of experience in strategy, operations, and communications across Dubai and Vancouver, she helps founders and leadership teams bring clarity, structure, and momentum to their work. Additionally, she holds advisory board and mentorship roles across a variety of organizations and industries. With a talent for cutting through complexity, she offers insights that empower informed decisions.

Show Links:

• Morpho Corporation 

Show Quotes:

"You don't have to do it alone...I come in as a partner and help them where it's needed." "It's great and needed for you to keep going...but you also have to be realistic." "Always be open, always learn, and trust yourself."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Aly Musani is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience helping entrepreneurial companies scale successfully. With a unique focus on balancing financial discipline with operational health, he is currently building the infrastructure at Symend to support its sustainable global growth. His prior experience includes leading large, global finance teams in the technology and energy sectors.

Show Links:

• Symend
• Clay 

Show Quotes:

"I think there's a different mindset that comes out of these group of individuals who are natural problem solvers." "I think a lot of people, they just immediately assume that somebody who's at a junior level doesn't have enough experience to accomplish anything."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Leonardo da Vinci was a quintessential Renaissance polymath whose genius spanned an extraordinary array of fields. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, he was renowned as an artist, scientist, engineer, and inventor. Leonardo's masterful creations include the iconic paintings "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa," which are celebrated for their innovative techniques and profound emotional depth. His scientific investigations, meticulously recorded in his notebooks, reveal groundbreaking ideas in anatomy, optics, and mechanics, often centuries ahead of his time. An insatiable curiosity and insistent quest for knowledge propelled Leonardo to explore the interconnections between art and science, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire modern innovators and thinkers across the globe.

Show Links:

• Grok 3
• xAI
• Grok on X 

Show Quotes:

"This artificial intelligence... truly sets my mind ablaze with wonder to think that you have crafted machines that learn, reason, and create as if imbuing them with a spark of the human spirit." "In my time I chased the hidden mechanics of the universe... believing all things, great and small, follow a grand design. This quantum realm, with its strange riddles, resonates deeply with my own quests." "Oh, what a joyous reflection you beckon me toward... the 21st century, dear friend, echoes that spirit with a fervor that sets my heart ablaze."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.

Show Links:

• Grok 3
• xAI
• Grok on X 

Show Quotes:

"It's all about starting lean and building momentum without getting overwhelmed." "For small businesses looking to build custom software, there are exciting opportunities to create tailored solutions." "Consistency and showing genuine value are what turn prospects into loyal customers over time."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Kelly Mottet is a medical device start-up aficionado, who is passionate to bring life to new products.  Kelly has a positive attitude, and always finds a way to get things done! She excels in fast-paced environments, leading the team with agility in challenging environments.  MACH32 is the third medical device start-up for Kelly, with previous success in North American and European markets, and it shows. Kelly makes sound decisions and inspires the team to perform at a high level to meet her vision of success.   

Kelly is a self-starter, that is comfortable with ambiguity and taking calculated risks.  She has the unique ability to rapidly assess situations and provide decisive leadership.  Kelly considers herself a student of leadership, constantly striving to improve and lead by example.  She values relationships, integrity and transparency. 

Kelly’s diverse experience in product development, business development, sales, marketing, supplier management, regulatory and quality management systems compliments the MACH32 management team.

Outside of work you can usually find Kelly playing chauffer for her children’s sporting events, she also enjoys yoga and red wine.

Show Links:

• MACH32
• Innovative Trauma Care
• Marc Curial
• Alberta Innovates
• IRAP
• The Center for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
• Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation (CAMS) 

Show Quotes:

"The privilege that we have in being able to get half a million dollars from friends and family is a massive privilege to be able to do." "You have to be out there sharing and being open and getting help and asking for help, and then giving back and supporting others." "Without those 3D printed prototypes, we never would've got that critical end-user feedback."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Kevin Evans is a Cloud-Native Leader and Microsoft Cloud Technologist at Microsoft. He is also the founder of Code To Cloud and serves as a CNCF Ambassador.  Kevin is passionate about cloud technologies and open-source innovation, and he actively engages with the technical community through events like Microsoft’s Tech Connect. Based in Alberta, Canada, Kevin continues to contribute to cloud-native advancements and foster community.

Show Links:

• Code To Cloud
• Microsoft Azure  

Show Quotes:

"Start small and build big... That's the analogy I adopt in absolutely everything." "I set myself on a mission to give away my knowledge for free as much as possible, which scares a lot of people, but it's about reducing the barriers to innovation." "Work smarter, not harder... at the end of the day, someone is paying the bill, and it's about getting product out of the door efficiently."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Trevor Kloeck is the President of Plantae Technologies Inc. He's known as a leader, entrepreneur, and innovator in the agriculture and environmental services fields. With a successful background in manufacturing, product development, and getting products to market, Trevor aims to make the world greener and more sustainable, one product at a time.

Trevor leads Plantae Technologies, which used to be Hemp Fibre Production Corporation (HFPC) in Edmonton. The company now uses its unique technology with a wide range of plant fibers and food waste—not just hemp—to create natural solutions for environmental problems like erosion and plastic waste. They focus on international markets in reclamation, sustainable packaging, and advanced materials.

Show Links:

• Plantae Technologies 
• amii 

Show Quotes:

"We have to really kind of face the music now and take this as our moment to make that transition" "Innovation only happens when you're on the fringes, and that has consequences" "We are in a unique spot to attract more talent and achieve brain gain, but it's predicated on boldness"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Gordon Sheppard is dedicated to helping Executives win.

He is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator and Business Advisor who has worked with senior leaders from across sectors including Oil and Gas, Industrial Service Businesses, Government, Non-Profits, Associations and more.

His approach is straight-forward and inspiring.

He often says ‘I’m not in the family’ when he works with leaders. This means that he will say what needs to be said so that leaders can move forward faster.

With a style that has been described as ‘assertively kind’, Gord brings a structured approach to every engagement.

That is why he built the Executive Planning System – a proven 5-step approach that helps senior leaders achieve their organizational goals.

He is also the best-selling author of the ‘Meeting Leadership Solution’, a 10 step system to help you improve your business meetings today!

With more than 25 years of business experience, an MBA, and Prosci Change Management Certification, Gord is dedicated to helping leaders get what they need to succeed.

Show Links:

• Executive Wins 
• Episode with Keely Motet 
• Episode with Trevor Kloeck 

Show Quotes:

"My goal is to empower leaders so they can empower themselves and really optimize their entire organization." "I help executives get more wins in business... it represents the pinnacle of my 13 years of consulting work." "If we can get the 'who does what' part figured out, then it depends on where the work is needed at that point."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Olivia Brown is the Digital Construction Manager at EllisDon, where she plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within the construction industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance construction processes, Olivia has been instrumental in implementing the EllisDon Accelerator Program, the Pilot Program, and a variety of other strategic partnerships.

Olivia brings a robust background in project management to her current role. Her extensive experience in managing complex projects has equipped her with the skills to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Her project management expertise has been crucial in coordinating digital transformation efforts across various departments and stakeholders within EllisDon.

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:

• EllisDon Accelerator   

Show Quotes:

"Openness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm really give our team the freedom to try new things and find innovative solutions." "Our accelerator allows us to leverage our construction knowledge to find mutually beneficial partnerships with startups." "The true magic happens when we solve real problems for customers and see natural adoption of technology."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Stay tuned after the end credits to hear one of the songs Jon and his band created titled Shunned

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: Jon Hagan is a seasoned communicator and business developer with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and community building. As a senior business partner at Alberta Innovates, he hosts and produces Shift by Alberta Innovates. His background spans government, private industry, public relations, media production, the arts, and sciences, allowing him to bring a creative and humorous edge to his work.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a writer with a published children's book and a work-in-progress classified as weird fiction. He is also an avid creator of original musical content, ranging from soundtracks to songs performed under the band name The Plugs! He maintains an endless curiosity, particularly regarding emerging tech, entrepreneurship, sustainable solutions, science, music, and literature.

Show Links:

• Inventures 2025
• Host of Shift by Alberta Innovates
• The Plugs
• Children's book: The Augtonauts
• Todd McFarlane 

Show Quotes:

"Creativity has always been a real important part of my approach to life." "It's one thing to do it yourself, but when someone else is cheering you on, it’s motivating." "There's far too much negativity out there... have fun with life."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Nicolas Beique is a tech entrepreneur who founded and built Helcim from the ground up. Helcim is Nic's passion. He spends his days working with his incredible team, as they build amazing payment experiences for their merchants. https://www.helcim.com

Show Links:

• Helcim
• LIBI Episode 79 

Show Quotes:

"A crisis is a terrible thing to waste, so let's take advantage of it and turn it into an opportunity to make our country stronger." "We aspire to be the world’s most loved payments company, but that’s an oxymoron – nobody loves their payments company." "You have to absolutely embrace [AI] or you're going to be left behind; it's becoming really obvious because they're getting really good."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.

Show Links:

• Grok 3
• xAI
• Grok on X 

Show Quotes:

"I'm designed to be super straightforward and truth-seeking—less fluff, more focus on real useful answers." "A.I. is great at crunching patterns in data; that 'something more' you mentioned, like intuition or creativity beyond algorithms, is the tricky part." "It's not just about chatting while walking; it's about using the robot's body and senses to break out of the text-only box."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Paisley Churchill brings a deep background in startups, economic development, and technology to her career helping businesses and founders transform ambitious ideas into impactful realities. From evaluating over 200 funding applications at Calgary Economic Development to launching 30+ software projects in custom tech, she combines strategic thinking, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to client success.

As a consultant, she has guided businesses across sectors through business planning, tech product development, and securing over $1.5M in funding. Through her company Tech Translator, Churchill empowers non-technical founders to bridge business-tech gaps while avoiding common costly mistakes.

Her passion for caregiving stems from personal experience. As Chief Product Officer at Team CarePal, Churchill works to ensure nobody faces caregiving alone, supporting innovative solutions that ease this challenging journey for families.

Whether advising founders, shaping tech strategies, or advocating for caregivers, her work reflects a steadfast belief in collaboration, empathy, and innovation as drivers of meaningful change.

When not working, Churchill trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – cultivating patience, strategy, and perseverance that directly inform her professional approach. She balances this intensity with downtime spent caring for her two dogs, who bring equal measures of joyful chaos and grounding companionship to her life.

Show Links:

• CIC - Calgary Innovation Coalition
• The Tech Translator
• Team CarePal  
• Calgary Economic Development
• A.I. Can't read your mind 

Show Quotes:

"The MVP is dead...the minimum to get your first client is usually single sign-on with whatever they're using." "It's really important that you only follow the money and you follow signed contracts" "Not everyone needs to be a tech company to get investment"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Gemini LLM A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. Bring your insight, imagination and a healthy disregard for the impossible. Bring everything that makes you unique. Together, we can build for everyone.

Show Links:

• Gemini LLM 
• Chat GPT on Episode 259

Show Quotes:

"Technology has undergone a dramatic transformation...it's now a core driver of strategy, innovation, and competitive advantage." "Digital transformation is not just about technology; it's about people, processes, and culture. It requires a change in mindset and a focus on customer centricity."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Bryce McDermid is the founder of MKTGSpace and the YYC Business Events Weekly Newsletter. He is passionate about promoting quality communication in marketing and helping the local business community grow. Bryce has a background in psychology, which he used to build strong relationships between himself and his clients, and his clients and their customers. Bryce is currently focusing on providing communication strategy and performance marketing for the people he's working with.

Show Links:

• Mktgspace 

Show Quotes:

"At its core, marketing is just two people communicating with each other, and there's an infinite number of ways to do that effectively" "If you can't express who you are and how you want to speak to people, AI tools won't be able to do anything for you; it's just going to sound like everybody else out there" "Building brand reputation is integral at every step of the way, thinking about the long game for your business is important all the time"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Shawn Freeman has founded and scaled many businesses to multi-million dollar corporations. He is a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience running IT management companies and can certainly speak to leading and growing large companies and being an innovative thinker. 

Shawn launched his career in 2011 by founding TWT Group, a small managed service provider (MSP). He grew the business to seven figures within nine years and successfully exited in 2020 through a high-value acquisition. Currently, Shawn is the founder of Impactful MSP, where he helps ambitious MSP owners achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Beyond his professional work, Shawn serves as a Board Member for the Trellis Foundation and The A100, and volunteers as a mentor with the Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta. Additionally, Shawn has been deeply involved with Entrepreneurs’ Organization for over 10 years, currently serving as the Chapter President for Calgary.

Show Links:

• Impactful MSP 
• Trellis Foundation 
• The A100 
• Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta (VMSA) 
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization 
• Book - Traction: Gino Wyckman 
• Book - Buy Back Your Time: Dan Martell 
• OMO Teppan & Kitchen 

Show Quotes:

"If you get a client that is not enjoyable to work with It's the old 80-20 rule. They take up 80% of your time. You make 20% of your profits off of them."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Chase Miller is a grant-funding expert, entrepreneur, and lifelong athlete dedicated to helping businesses secure the resources they need to grow. Seeing the lack of support for grant writing in Canada, he founded a mission-driven venture to simplify the process for companies navigating complex applications.

A former university hockey player, Chase still hits the ice regularly and stays active through basketball, golf, and training. His competitive edge, leadership, and teamwork—values ingrained from years in the sport fuel both his business and personal pursuits. A passionate traveler, he’s always seeking new challenges and experiences.

Show Links:

• Impact Applications
• IRAP
• Alberta Innovates
• Technology Alberta 

Show Quotes:

"they want to see that you have a little bit of skin in the game. So if you just have this idea and you put no dollars towards it, they won't be super sold on supporting you because they're also risk averse at the same time"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Brown Eagle Belanger is a visionary leader and thought leader in the blockchain and AI industries. Brown Eagle is on a mission to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Canada. With his personal experiences and unique perspective, he founded Decolonized Capital to drive meaningful change and empower Indigenous communities. Brown Eagle's expertise and passion have earned him a seat on the Canadian blockchain consortium committee, where he continues to inspire others and impact the world.

Show Links:

• LIBI Episode #2220
• Nations First
• Sarabloh Technologies 

Show Quotes:

"Even the communities, the businesses, and entrepreneurs, we can manage our own resources, how we distribute our own funds, and even make decisions through self-governance as one unit."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: James McInnes, also known as “Peterpot,” has an eclectic range of skills, from professional beatboxer to start-up founder. Growing up in foster care, James discovered his passion for inspiring others at a young age.

In 2021, James discovered his biological family and Métis lineage, welcomed his first child, and began his MBA. After over a decade of performing at international conferences and events, he recognized the challenges of building meaningful, lasting connections. Leveraging his network and business acumen, James founded Prompty in 2023 to address this gap.

In 2024, James resigned from his accounting position of 15 years to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. While he continues to manage other ventures, including his entertainment persona and a real estate portfolio, Prompty remains his primary focus. When not working on Prompty, James enjoys his business studies or spending time with his wife and two beautiful children.

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:

• Prompty 

Show Quotes:

"We're removing the friction of in-person networking, and our vision is a more meaningfully connected world." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

The Visionary - The idea creator who designs the future. The Navigator - The leader who removes roadblocks and keeps projects on track. The Collaborator - The connector who bridges teams and ideas. The Completer - The technician who ensures delivery. John explains how these roles adapt as projects evolve, shares insights into overcoming common innovation challenges, and highlights the importance of delivering "first value" early in projects to sustain momentum.

Listeners will gain actionable advice on implementing these roles in their teams, fostering clarity, motivation, and purpose to achieve measurable impact.

Whether you're in a large organization or an entrepreneurial startup, this episode will leave you equipped and energized to build innovation teams that thrive.

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: John Hetherington is a Technology Strategist, International Speaker and founder of We Deliver Your Vision. Over the last 25 years, he's helped 100's of companies use technology to save time and grow revenue in the UK and North America. His team is currently delivering projects that automate business processes for on-time product delivery. John's big vision is to enable every CEO to run their business on autopilot.

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:

• We Deliver Your Vision   

Show Quotes:

"Innovation thrives when all four roles—visionary, navigator, collaborator, and completer—are present. It doesn’t matter if one person wears multiple hats or if a team divides them; what matters is that every piece of the puzzle is there to drive success."

"First value is the secret to sustaining innovation. Instead of waiting years to see results, focus on delivering something tangible and meaningful right away—it’s what keeps teams motivated and stakeholders engaged."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Through extensive research and hundreds of LinkedIn conversations with lawyers, Sash identified critical pain points in legal workflows and transformed what started as a resume project into a viable business solution. His story showcases the power of customer discovery and persistence in startup success.

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: Mina Demian is a seasoned strategic advisor and master connector, passionately dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth within the startup ecosystem. Currently at Platform Calgary, Mina leverages an extensive background in business development and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. Known for facilitating impactful skill development programs, connecting startups with essential resources, and building strong community partnerships, Mina is a cornerstone of the Greater Calgary startup community.

Mina’s commitment to the startup ecosystem extends beyond advisory roles—he actively represents and engages the community at events and welcomes new visionaries into Calgary’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Combining strategic thinking with a customer-focused approach, Mina helps businesses unlock their full potential while ensuring their growth makes a meaningful impact.

Whether you’re seeking strategic connections, funding opportunities, or expert guidance, Mina is the go-to partner to help elevate your venture and drive transformative growth. 

Guest: Sashwat (Sash) Raghuwanshi is the Founder of SEPT. A legal Tech Practice Management Software. We help lawyers get back to doing actual work.

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:

• SEPT.
• Alberta Catalyzer 

Show Quotes:

"I didn't realize that I was building an actual product of value until someone bought it... I was like, 'uh, yeah, of course we're selling it!'"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Services
• Episode 241: Al Del Degan hosts Phil Crocker
• Amazon Web Services 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:

• Optave
• Alberta Catalyzer   

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Podcast 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 City
• QConnect 2024
• Quantized Technologies Inc. (QTI)
• Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC)
• Xanadu
• 1Qbit   
• D-Wave Systems
• QAI Ventures   

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• Cybercrimes Victims Services Canada 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Edge 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• Evans Hunt
• Mod Op

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• Growth Venture 
• 321 Growth Academy 
• InceptionU 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Forum 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 Model
• 150 Startups 

Show 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 Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Melvin Adekanye is a testament to the power of serendipity and perseverance. Born in Nigeria, his initial dream of becoming a pilot was redirected when his family moved to Canada. A chance encounter with a friend hacking websites sparked his interest in coding, leading him to create a YouTube channel where he shared tutorial videos and built a following of aspiring coders. This small decision profoundly impacted his life, transitioning him from a childhood dream to a successful career as a tech innovator. Melvin is now the founder of the Jam app, a platform revolutionizing networking through unique features like "Jam Bingo" that foster authentic in-person connections. With a team of marketing interns and a new developer from Brazil, Melvin is expanding Jam’s reach across Canada, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing connections and resources. His journey highlights the significance of perseverance, creative thinking, and the impact of seemingly small decisions on achieving great accomplishments.

Show Links:

• Jam The Social App 
• Melvin's YouTube Channel

Show Quotes:

"I called my mom and I was like, Jam just made it's first buck" "We thought, why don't we create a situation where people are forced to be in networking situations"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Mario León y León Specialized in risk and finance, Mario has been evaluating enterprises—from corporate to small and micro—to help them access credit. He has also worked for several government enterprises to assist low-income families in gaining access to housing and agricultural resources. Now in Calgary with his family, as his wife is studying, Mario aims to contribute to the startup finance industry by increasing the level of success in their growth path and reducing their risk perception. He enjoys singing whenever he gets the chance and meeting different people to understand their cultures. Mario is passionate about learning more about the future of humankind and how technology can support this journey.

Show Links:

• Startup Weekend Calgary 

Show Quotes:

"It's like giving a very little small amount of money with high interest because of the amount. But at the end, you foster people to grow"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, board member of SCN, and a corporate innovator. Pursuing his DBA with a focus on Innovation within large organizations, while having founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, Mike Procee aims to build the innovation ecosystem in Calgary, and beyond.

Show Links:

• Strategic Capability Network - Innovation Peer Forum
• Creative Destruction Lab Rockies
• Mount Royal University - Sessional Instructors 

All of Mike's episodes so far:

• E274:Navigating Innovation in Highly Regulated Sectors: Lessons from a Corporate Innovation Expert
• E269:Fostering Community Innovation: Lessons from Corporate and Grassroots Approaches
• E268:The Challenger Mindset: Unlocking Innovation Through Collaboration
• E267:Breaking Records, Changing Lives: The Inspiring Journey of the Hockey Marathon for the Kids
• E266:Courageous Leadership in Energy Transition: Embracing Discomfort for Impactful Change
• E264:How To Disrupt An Industry
• E262:Unlocking Corporate Innovation: A Deep Dive with ChatGPT (Voiced by Ken Cameron)
• E252:Mike Procee Hosts Francisco Peschiera (Bain & Company) on the LIBI Podcast
• E246:Mike Procee Hosts Oleks Osiyevskyy (University of Calgary) on the LIBI Podcast
• E244:Mike Procee Hosts Alexander Osterwalder (Strategyzer) on the LIBI Podcast
• E240:Mike Procee Hosts Esther Gons (GroundControl) on the LIBI Podcast
• E235:Mike Procee Hosts Gray Somerville (LaunchPath) on the LIBI Podcast 

Show Quotes:

"Nobody wants to be the next Kodak or Blockbuster. I'm sure we've all heard those examples. So I started focusing around that."

"We want to see people act like owners. So definitely the term intrapreneur is resonating right now"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

For those interested in making podcasting part of your business strategy, here is a discount coupon for Jim's podcast course:  https://www.jimajames.com/gifts 

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: Jim James has built businesses from a suitcase over the past 25 years using public relations. He started EastWest Public Relations in 1995 and has opened offices in Singapore, China, India, and the UK, serving over 500 clients. In China, Jim set up the business as the official importer of Morgan Motor Company sports cars, held the position of interim CEO of Lotus, was the founding president of the EO Network Beijing Chapter, established the British Business Awards, and was the vice chair of the Chamber of Commerce. He returned to the UK in 2019 and hosts The Unnoticed Entrepreneur podcast, is a published author under Wiley (NYSE:WLY), and is a coach to young, up and coming entrepreneurs.

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:

• Unnoticed Entrepreneur Podcast
• Jim's podcast course

Show Quotes:

"AI (artificial Intelligence) gives the entrepreneur super powers"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 strategist. She has global experience working with major financial institutions. 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.

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:

• Innovation Management

Show Quotes:

"These cultures in these large companies there is a lot of structure and bureaucracy that's built up over time, and it's what perceived as keeping things stable"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Sifu Singh is a Martial Artist, Philosopher, Keynote Speaker, Author and High-Performance Coach. Sifu Singh teaches elite audiences and organizations "How to Master Their Center and Flow in Chaos”.

Listen in on how chaos informed Sifu Singh’s life path and led him to learn peacefulness and healing in the face of his inner conflict!

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.

Show Links:

• The Bruce Lee Podcast 

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

We also discuss the importance of hiring and retaining top talent, particularly in knowledge-based organizations, and the value of job simulations as a more effective hiring tool than relying solely on resumes and credentials.

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: Richard Campbell is the founder and CEO of 10Adventures, a platform to book customizable and private active vacations. With trips in 85+ countries and travellers from 35+ countries, 10Adventures is a global platform that enables people to create meaningful travel experiences with the people that matter most in their lives. These shared experiences end up as the photos on their walls, the stories that are told at family reunions, and the memories that last a lifetime. 

Richard has spent his 25-year career in high-growth start-ups and scale-ups, having worked across three continents, and worked in English, French, and Spanish.  In addition, Richard is an adventure traveler himself, and now spends his weekends exploring the Rocky Mountains with his wife and 3 children.

Show Links:

• 10 Adventures
• Sloan Fellowship
• London Business School 

Show Quotes:

"And so it's like we discovered this little pot of gold that none of our competitors were looking for."

"You test everybody. And then you interview the people who can do the job, which means you become way more diverse and remove almost all the bias out of the hiring process."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Keegan Dargie is genuinely enthusiastic about crafting technological solutions that drive organizational growth through automation and Artificial Intelligence. Taking the lead in developing tools using machine learning and LLM, he swiftly engineers automation processes to streamline manual tasks and boost efficiency. Keegan's track record speaks volumes about his achievements, fueled by his penchant for creative thinking, adept problem-solving skills, and friendly organizational approach.

Show Links:

• OpenAI 
• TheKitchen.ai
• DevinAI
• Perplexity
• ChatGPT
• Midjourney
• LeonardoAI  
• Sora
• Suno.com
• NVIDIA 

Show Quotes:

"... agents is a little bit different, because you're not trying to solve the problem, you're basically just creating the people who can solve the problem, and then giving them the resources to do it."

"A.I. is a custom tutor for any subject that you want."

"if anybody gets anything from this episode, I want to just let people know that if you have questions about anything in the world, as little as like, how does an ant colony work? Or how does a jet plane work or anything you can just ask these A.I. systems and it'll give you a pretty good answer. A lot of the time, fairly accurate as well, you know the ability to get knowledge is just so great now where you can just learn anything."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Hear the value of having a collaborative network of financial advisors to provide holistic advice. Knowing that this level of nuanced advice cannot be replicated by technology alone, which highlights the continued relevance of human advisors. Sheldon shares the growth journey of his startup, founded in 2019, including participating in pitch contests, accelerators, and moving to Calgary's tech hub

He recently completed the Catalyzer program, which helped refine the business focus and connect with mentors and investors. Sheldon is now looking to raise funds to capitalize on their advisor network and build a trusted ecosystem around clients.

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: Sheldon Brow's background as a fisherman's son laid the foundation for his strong work ethic, which he has carried into his role as founder of Pocket Finance. With over 15 years in major banks and as an entrepreneur, he has a strong grasp of the financial sector's challenges and opportunities.

At Pocket Finance, Sheldon is dedicated to improving the tools that financial professionals use to engage with clients, emphasizing the importance of trust, efficiency, and collaborative teamwork.

His goal is to simplify financial planning, making it more intuitive and connected, thus enabling advisors to deliver personalized, high-quality advice more effectively and strengthen relationships in the finance 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:

• Pocket Finance
• Platform Calgary
• Catalyser 

Show Quotes:

"Because we go through these dating processes with our institutions, with our professionals that we deal with individually. And there's so many, so many stories about that. It's about trust. It's about trust first, more than anything for the client."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Nathan Klassen is a corporate innovator by day and a personal & community innovator all the time. With a professional background in continuous improvement, change management and organizational transformation, he brought this personal wiring and toolkit into the community arena, co-founding Innovate Cochrane - a community-initiated non-profit committed to raising and releasing innovation capacity to benefit those in Cochrane, Alberta and beyond.

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:

• Innovate Cochrane

Show Quotes:

"My curiosity around Communication innovation started with continuous improvement and lean, the toolkits we roll out at a company level, but these could also be useful to communities"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

As we shift ever more into a fast-changing, hyper-competitive economy, so does the organizing logic of our organizations must change, to outperform and sustain optimal performance. We are moving from clearly defined industry boundaries to porous borders, where new and emerging opportunity fields are found. There is a change from hierarchical organizational decision-making to autonomous networks that quickly solve challenges and scale new solutions.  

In our conversation we explore: What is a “Challenger” mindset? What areas/organizations should not be challengers? What are the key traits required to be a challenger? and more!

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: Saar Ben-Attar is the founder of Ascent Growth Partners, a specialist advisory and consulting firm with offices in Singapore and South Africa.

For the past 20 years, Saar has been working with clients to reach their growth aspirations, in a rapidly changing environment, spanning North America, Europe, SE Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with particular focus on the Resources & Energy, Telecoms and Financial Services sectors. Saar works with his clients to frame their strategic challenges, examine leadership mindset and develop the practical skills needed to transform their organizations into more adaptive and future-ready businesses. 

He is a certified strategy practitioner, by the Association of Strategic Planning in the US and has attained his executive coaching qualification from Inner Life Skills International in 2010. ILS holds the highest level of international accreditation (ACTP) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), for its coach training qualification program.

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:

• Challengers: How a New Breed of Leaders Collaborates and Wins in a Hyper Competitive World 

Show Quotes:

"I wouldn't say there are areas in which absolutely there are not circumstance we should not challenge, however there are certainly areas where one needs to do this with absolute caution"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

The game started in 2012 when 40 men took to the ice to raise funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation all while trying to break the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive hours of playing ice hockey. The goal was achieved and exceeded by raising 1.2M for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and playing 246 hours of hockey. Two short years later, the game happened again. This time raising 1.7M for the Alberta Children’s Hospital and breaking their own record playing 248 consecutive hours of hockey. Then in 2020 almost 1 M was raised and these 40 hero’s broke another world record of 261 consecutive hours

After 2 years it is time to do it again! The game remains the same, the goal is higher. 40 players will try to play 262 consecutive hours and beat their own record. We want to raise awareness and funds to ensure children will have a chance to survive this horrible disease. No child and no family should have to go through this so we skate for all of those fighting today, tomorrow and in the future. We also play for those that lost their battle, for their memory to continue on each time we are on the ice.

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: Alex Halat

Guest: Matt Gramblicka 

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:

• Hockey Marathon 

Show Quotes:

"This event is 2020 volunteers to pull this event, you think the world has changes in the last ten years, and it has, but this event is a community builder."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Graeme Edge Originally hailing from Scotland, Graeme Edge is an entrepreneur, energy enthusiast, talent expert, and avid sports aficionado. Apart from his endeavors in amateur squash and keeping up with his children, Graeme serves as one of the founders and CEO of the Energy Disruptors: UNITE event series.

Established in early 2017, the Energy Disruptors: UNITE summit stands as a multi-award-winning event dedicated to energy transition. It gathers 2500 of the world’s most influential leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle global energy, climate, and transportation challenges.

Based in Calgary, the summit adopts an unconventional approach, featuring diverse content, speakers with contrasting viewpoints, gender parity, influential non-energy figures, bold ideas grounded in science and engineering, live music, artistic performances, and an environment designed to astonish, engage, and captivate attendees.

Energy Disruptors has earned comparisons to "the Burning Man of the corporate world" or "Coachella for geeks," reflecting its innovative and dynamic nature.

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:

• Energy Disruptors 

Show Quotes:

"Sometimes you feel like you're pushing water uphill, it can be incredibly frustrating so one of the simple things we do is we actually built a community where a lot of those people could hang out together"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:  Host: Gurmol Singh has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Calgary, where he won the Innovation 4 Health competition for his work on a driving app that helped lower the potential for accidents related to pre-existing medical conditions. He also received a Post-Diploma Certificate in Data Analytics from SAIT and completed the Machine Learning technician program at Amii . He previously worked at Motionhall as a Scientific Analyst, and at Longview Systems as a System Consultant.

Guest: Eugene Paulia As a co-founder of GroupLabs and a Data Analyst at Cenovus, Eugene is passionate about harnessing data to innovate and solve problems. With expertise in Business Analytics and Data Science, he has contributed to key projects at Suncor Energy. Committed to lifelong learning, Eugene aims to create impact through insightful data analysis.

Guest: Noel Thomas has cultivated a robust foundation in diverse subfields of computer science and the life sciences, honed through engagement in numerous multidisciplinary projects. They are eager to channel their enthusiasm and expertise into a dynamic and demanding position within the tech industry, emphasizing a commitment to perpetual learning and advancement.

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:

• GroupLabs 

Show Quotes:

"Just start, years pass by gaining experience, being young it is the best time to fail" "Bridge is a data discovery engine, GroupLabs is trying to solve the problem of structured data so the result can be passed into an LLM model" "Understand stakeholders, solve their task, double check with security team. A simple BI project can take weeks and months" "My mom was my source of inspiration for going into software, she had a computer science background and got me into programming when I was young"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Brent Colvin is the Co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer, a technology company that is transforming how lawyers and businesses work together. Practicing for 4+ years as a corporate lawyer at Canada’s biggest law firm, Brett saw the inefficiencies and frustrations in traditional law firms from the inside. Realizing the need for change, he left his firm and joined forces with his co-founders, and together, they began reimagining legal services from his kitchen table in 2019. 

Now, Goodlawyer is a testament to this vision that has grown from humble beginnings to a team of 20 employees and 140+ lawyers who have served over 5,000 clients across Canada. This remarkable growth trajectory has led to Brett and Goodlawyer being recognized with several awards, including the 'Small Business of the Year' award by the Calgary Chamber and Canada’s 35th “Top Growing Business” by the Globe and Mail. Brett's journey from a corporate lawyer to a pioneering CEO exemplifies his dedication to building a more efficient and fair legal ecosystem for businesses and legal professionals everywhere.

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:

• GoodLawyer 

Show Quotes:

"You have risk adverse people, in an industry, predicated on what has happened in the past" "With Gen Ai, and everything happening now, (innovation) is moving faster than ever before"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Brent Zuber, a dedicated professional, has been actively contributing to the growth and innovation of Alberta's technology sector as both an employee and recent advisor and board member at Technology Alberta, a non-profit organization championing the interests of technology professionals and businesses in the province. With core competencies in process improvement, customer relationship management, and employee benefits, Brent has applied his skills across various industries. Additionally, he holds a private pilot license, a glider pilot license, and a radio certificate, showcasing his passion for aviation and continuous learning. As a community builder and mentor, Brent volunteers as an entrepreneurial advisor at the Haskayne School of Business, Hunter Centre (UCalgary), where he assists aspiring entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas and connecting with resources. With a lifelong commitment to learning and a knack for adapting to new challenges, Brent is driven by the pursuit of excellence and is always eager to explore new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Guest: Troy Feener is the Chief Operations Officer at Rapid Infection Diagnostics Inc. (RID), he leads a mission-driven organization dedicated to reducing death and disability from infectious diseases through cutting-edge diagnostic technology. With over 4 years of experience in the role, Troy oversees strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of RID's operations, products, and services. With a background spanning 20 years in microbiology, parasitology, and immunology, including a master's degree and a 6-year tenure as a program manager at the University of Calgary's Lewis Research Group he leverages his scientific expertise and creative problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Show Links:

• University of Calgary 

Show Quotes:

"If you're in an elderly population, if you are on dialysis, like I said, all of these sort of comorbidities, that's the term of humans, they add up to you being more susceptible to get infections and not recover from those infections."

"Plants have viruses. Bacteria have viruses. Every living organism just about on the planet has a virus that can infect it. Well, one of the things that we've done is we've hacked those viruses to kill microbes, which is pretty cool."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Ken Cameron is the CEO of Corporate cultureSHIFT and Partner Lead at Cratic Ai. A former playwright and theatre director, Ken bring that creative vision to the corporate boardroom. He is a certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator and is the co-creator of several facilitation workshops including the Future is Coming, the SHIFT facilitation card deck and the cultureSHIFT Method. His work has been recognized with a Facilitation Impact Award (Platinum Award) by the International Association of Facilitators and Organization of the Year Award by the International Association of Public Participation (Canada) for The Cultural Transformation Project/City of Calgary.

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:

• cultureSHIFT 
• ChatGPT

Show Quotes:

"Defining innovation is like setting the North Star for your corporate innovation program. It gives everyone a clear direction, aligns efforts, and helps distinguish between everyday improvements and groundbreaking, game-changing ideas"

"Think of it like dating before marriage. Small wins are like those coffee dates – low risk, helps build trust. Disruptive tech is like marriage – big commitment, potentially game-changing. Start small, build confidence, then go for the transformative tech when you're ready for that serious relationship with innovation. It's all about finding the right balance for your organization"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas Podcast for Rainforest Alberta

Show Quotes:

"You have to be at the very least okay with taking big risks. Ideally, taking big risks is something that excites you and gets you fired up."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Rosalinda Hernandez is co-founder and CEO of Red Iron Labs, focusing on incorporating innovative design through an intercultural lens. She has 15+ years of professional experience. Rosalinda’s specialization and focus is culture—understanding the impacts of our products in the market from a present day and future cultural lens, including intercultural competence. The vision I have for our products is that they are rooted in self-awareness of evolving paradigm shifts in the relationship between human experience and technology, and for our company to challenge the status quo and make meaningful impacts for representation in the game and tech industry.

Guest: Lloyd Summers  is the technical Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Red Iron Labs. He is focused on modern multimedia and creative technologies. Previous experience areas include Mobile Development, Project Management, IoT and Technical Analysis. Lloyd has created and published over 200 mobile titles and games, and currently leads a development team that has executed various immersive application projects for companies across various sectors including Energy, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate, Marketing and Video Games.

Show Links:

• Red Iron Labs
• Muffin Fight 

Show Quotes:

"You know how people have that little inner voice that says you can't do something? That person's evicted from my head"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: ChatGPT, the AI language model developed by OpenAI that's taking the virtual conversation world by storm. Born from cutting-edge natural language processing technology, ChatGPT is more than just a machine – it's a digital conversationalist designed to engage with users from diverse backgrounds.

Trained on an extensive dataset, ChatGPT has mastered the art of understanding and generating human-like text. Whether offering information, assistance, or a touch of humor, this AI model has become a go-to for those seeking dynamic and context-aware conversations.

Show Links:

• Open AI  ChatGPT App for iPhone 

Show Quotes:

"I don't have desires, intentions, or the ability to make decisions. I operate within pre-determined boundaries set by my programming. Any notion of me deciding to destroy the universe is purely fictional"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Adam Ludgate is a technical leader who is involved in the startup/tech community and is enticed by new and innovative ways of solving problems with technology. He has worked previously with the likes of IBM Canada, AOL UK, tech startups in London's 'Silicon Roundabout' as well as with a variety of oil & gas software firms in various software development and leadership capacities.

Guest: Kristina Milke is a General Partner at Sprout Fund that invests in early stage B2B SaaS companies in Western Canada. Beyond that she is a Go-To-Market Consultant with the GrowthX revenue accelerator, an A100 member and sits on a variety of Boards. You can typically find Kristina chatting with founders about the importance of financial literacy and raising capital.

Show Links:

• Sprout Fund 
• GrowthX 
• A100 
• Alberta Innovates 
• Plug & Play 
• 500 Global 

Show Quotes:

"Raising and managing a fund is equally as challenging as being a startup founder and having to raise funds and manage investors."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Pete Lafontaine is a Community and Business Builder, Innovator, Technology Leader, Entrepreneur. Peter (Pete) is Board Chairman of Rainforest Energy Corporation, focused on building a new multi- billion-dollar clean fuels business.  The proven process takes waste from forestry and agriculture (not crops) and produces green (no benzene or sulfur) gasoline. The facilities will be built in rural areas in partnership with indigenous communities.

He works with or volunteers to help entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses or organizations. He is a partner in Peer Guidance a business mentoring team, Business Advisor with Intergen and is a 6 year champion of Rainforest Alberta a movement focused on building a diversified economy by building a strong technical innovation ecosystem in Alberta.   Peter moved to Alberta in 1976 as a fur buyer with the Hudson Bay Company.  He took a personal interest in early computers, took programming at UofA and has been bringing technology and business solutions to market ever since.  Peter has worked with industry leaders like Apple and Microsoft. He was a Founder, CEO of Zymeta Media Systems. Currently Peter is a strong community contributor using technology and business skills to improve people’s lives. 

Think of Peter as a business geek using technology and innovation to create jobs, improve the economy and improve quality of life. His personal moto is: Happy, Healthy, Wealthy in that exact order, that happens to be core to one if his favorite words, prosperity. He believes the journey is the reward. His mission is to build organizations that combine purpose and profitability with strong effective teams.

Peter is an active snowboarder, Mountain Biker and Teaches families how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. He is married to his lifelong partner Leila with two amazing daughters, Brandi the Economist and Amber the Architect.

Show Links:

• LIBI Podcast Episode One 
• Rainforest Alberta
• Rainforest Energy Corp. 
• Peer Guidance 
• Tip of The Spear - Jim Gibson 
• CORUM Group 
• Branch-out Neurological Foundation 
• Intergen 

Show Quotes:

"[when cycling outside] I have this idea that's pretty straight forward. At minus 10 it's two layers, at minus 20 it's three layers, and at minus 30 your crazy." "Come up with a personal motto that drives you and gets you excited about your day. Mine is happy, healthy, and wealthy, in that specific order."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• LIBI Podcast 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• LIBI Podcast 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• LIBI Podcast 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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.

Show Links:

• E204 Al Del Degan Hosts Katia Milrad Segal (KMS Coaching)
• E210 Al Del Degan Hosts Debbie Butt (In The Know YYC)
• E220 Al Del Degan Hosts Brown Eagle Belanger (Decolonized Capital)
• E227 Al Del Degan Hosts Brent Zuber (Virtual Reality)
• E237 Al Del Degan Hosts Michael Dargie (Make More Creative)

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Francisco Peschiera brings his wealth of experience to the forefront, shedding light on why innovation is not merely a buzzword but a strategic imperative for corporate success. Throughout the episode, we uncover the challenges that organizations face in fostering a culture of innovation and how it extends beyond just ideation but execution as well, to become a global competency.

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: Francisco (Sco) Peschiera is an expert associate partner at Bain & Company and member of Bain’s Innovation & Design practice. Sco helps clients accelerate growth within and beyond their core businesses by re-imagining what they do today and developing new business models for the future. He is an experienced leader in innovation, strategy, and digital, focusing on human-centered design and design thinking approaches to help organizations elevate customer and employee experiences.

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:

• Bain & Company 

Show Quotes:

"You're going to hear about new technologies that are going to transform the way that we work, the way that we live"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Aryan Panchal is an international student enrolled in the University of Calgary, majoring in Finance. Having completed two years of university, he took a break for 16 months last May, during which he engaged in four 4-month internships. Aryan is set to return to university in the fall.

Upon arriving in Canada two years ago, Aryan lacked work experience, communication skills, and battled self-doubt. However, over time, he built a network in Calgary, worked with various startups, and volunteered to support small businesses. Aryan believes in the value of hard work to achieve ambitious goals and wishes to share his personal journey of overcoming mental barriers. His story includes engaging in unconventional experiments, such as sleeping 30 minutes to 1 hour a day for an entire month, working 22 to 23 hours a day, and maintaining a seven-day workweek without breaks since July of the previous year. Aryan also took on five jobs simultaneously while attempting to build a startup. Through sharing his experiences, he aims to convey how these challenges led him on a journey toward becoming the best version of himself.

Show Links:

• University of Calgary 
• AltaML 
• University of Alberta 
• University of Lethbridge 
• GoodLawyer 

Show Quotes:

"You need 100 users that love you, not 1000 users that don't care." "I feel like the mountains were calling me" "been alone since I was 16 when I moved to India by myself"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

• Many people think that hackathons require cybersecurity knowledge but they don't, they are focused on problem solving like making public transit more accessible in downtown
• There is beauty in the way that feedback is structured, in the school system we don't get a lot of experience on the iterative process and developing an MVP or using an Agile approach
• Hacking gives you a chance to develop an idea before you try to build it, it is important to look back retrospectively, what worked and didn't work,
• Always give feedback that is actionable so there is better user experience

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: Gurmol Sohi is a data Analyst, innovator, researcher who is part of the tech and startup ecosystem and can be found at Platform Calgary and Pixels and Pints events! He is passionate about fintech, cleantech, and the just transition that is happening in Alberta! He can be found writing on his blog in medium and representing CITI as a brand ambassador at tech events!

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:

• Kumon 
• SAIT Podcast: The best careers you never knew existed 
• Major League Hacking (MLH) 
• Calgary Hacks 
• Code The Change YYC 
• Tech Start UCalgary 
• Data Science & Machine Learning Club 
• nPower Canada 
• Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (amii) 
• BrainToy 
• New Idea Machine 
• Neo Financial 

Show Quotes:

"Hackathon does not pertain to hacking in the digital sense, it speaks more to life hacking because it creates an environment of rapid ideation and creativity." "If the leaders are not looking into industry, they are not seeing how tech is growing. There's a gap there, and students are left to fill that gap." "The C-Suite execs are always kinda looking towards the future and they are being visionaries. But if we can somehow do that at a student level, wouldn't that be cool." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Julie Hawco, P.Eng - Founder, STEM Moms Project, has spent the past 15 years working in Canada’s Energy sector as an engineer focused on Oil Sands technology and innovation.  Through this experience she noted the contrast in the challenges faced by her female vs male peers once they became parents.  Julie founded the STEM Moms Project to understand the unique challenges and nuances of being a Mother and STEM professional utilizing a focus group approach; and identifying recommendations towards improving the retention of mid-career STEM women.  Julie is a mom of two and dedicated volunteer within Alberta’s energy ecosystem.

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:

• The STEM Moms Project

Show Quotes:

"For some people, they might be feeling really ill, and maybe they are struggling to show up every day, and they're worried about what the repercussion of that."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Val McCarty is in the business of helping organizations visualize, communicate, and execute strategy in real time. Her studies were acquired at both University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University, and encompassed Management, Education, and Human Services, with an aim to continue learning. Her previous experience includes the Financial Sector, Fitness Sector, and Early Childhood Education.  When Val is not at work you can find her outside with her grandkids, or looking forward to the next live jam.

Guest: Daniela Bozinovski is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in digital marketing, e-commerce consulting, and account management. Currently serving as an Account Manager at The Public Place Network, Daniela focuses on helping small to medium-sized businesses thrive in the digital realm by effectively monetizing their video content.

Before joining The Public Place Network in 2023, Daniela held the role of Account Manager at ext. marketing, where she assisted clients in the banking and financial services sector in realizing their marketing goals. Her responsibilities included managing projects from start to finish and ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved.

Daniela's career journey includes a notable period at Zone·tv™ as a Sales Coordinator, where she implemented innovative marketing strategies to drive business growth and increase brand awareness. This role allowed her to gain hands-on experience in CRM management, sales strategy formulation, and content creation.

Prior to that, Daniela spent eight years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., developing skills in business development and risk analysis. As a Business Development Specialist, she played a key role in driving revenue and nurturing business relationships. Her earlier role as a Risk Analyst taught her the intricacies of managing financial risk and fraud, honing her analytical skills.

Her professional path began with foundational roles in merchant onboarding and administration, where Daniela cultivated organizational and problem-solving skills.

Throughout her career, Daniela's greatest satisfaction has come from assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. At the core of her work, whether in digital marketing, e-commerce, or account management, is a deep-seated passion for guiding clients through the complexities of the digital landscape. She finds immense fulfillment in seeing the businesses she partners with grow and succeed. This focus on client success is what drives Daniela and fuels her continued pursuit of excellence in her field.

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:

• PPN 
• The Public Place Network 

Show Quotes:

"You deserve a video platform that puts you and your videos first. A platform that helps real people make real money with video."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: David Howard is a founder and former CEO and President of Homes Heroes Foundation. In David’s new role he is spearheading the charities growth. David works with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal stakeholders to secure new sites for Veterans Villages across Canada. Homes For Heroes aims to help those who were willing to give their all to protect us and maintain our freedoms and get them back to a place where they feel supported & engaged. With the goal to end the issue of Veteran Homelessness, it is important that Homes For Heroes has Veterans Villages across Canada. David has been working within the Canadian Veteran community for the last 20 years and is committed to helping those that have served Canada. David has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his service to our Veterans and 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:

• Homes for Heroes Foundation 
• Veterans Affairs Canada

Show Quotes:

"How do you put that on paper and apply to a job? I drove a tank in the military, what does that give me within civilian life?" "My experience throughout working across Canada is that Canadians care deeply"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Oleks Osiyevskyy is the Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Calgary. Oleks' primary area of expertise is innovation management in established organizations. He applies the insights of rigorous management research to provide actionable advice on innovation strategy and systems to companies and new ventures. As an entrepreneurship and innovation professor, Oleks is dedicated to helping business leaders achieve their best. He believes that entrepreneurship should be deliberate, reliable, and effective, serving as a source of growth for both established companies and new ventures.

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:

• University of Calgary
• Haskayne School of Business 
• Creative Destruction Labs 

Show Quotes:

"As much as we all love Innovation, innovation for the sake of innovation has no strategic meaning"  "Innovation needs to unpin competitive advantage of your organization" "There is no such thing as innovation strategy, there is just strategy"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:  Uriel Karerwa is a Program Manager at IncluCity Calgary, an organization devoted to the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices in the design of technology. With a background in neuroscience, Uriel has been coordinating community events and working with neurodiverse groups in Lethbridge; and has spoken on the topic of atypical neurology on the TEDx stage! Uriel is always exploring opportunities to impact communities in areas like I.D.E.A., Social Innovation, and Sustainability.

Guest: Musap (Moose) Abdel is a passionate entrepreneur with a strong interest in AI and an innovative mindset. He is dedicated to entrepreneurship and youth education, which has led him to establish the non-profit organization and youth entrepreneurship program called Struggle is Your Success (SIYS) as its Executive Director and Founder. His goal is to share his experiences and teach entrepreneurial mindsets to a diverse range of clients and youth.

Moose is a visionary and critical thinker, with extensive leadership experience in entrepreneurship and the non-profit sector. His strong interpersonal skills and ability to uphold and exceed brand standards allow him to serve as an effective liaison between companies and their potential and current clients.

As a Lead Innovator in Design Thinking, Moose always strives to bring a fresh perspective to every project. He takes pride in being a diligent, energetic person with strong interpersonal skills. He is experienced and skilled in teaching Entrepreneurial Mindset Skills, and he is dedicated to providing high-quality service to a diverse range of clients and youth.

Through extensive research and active participation in the entrepreneurship community, Moose has developed a deeper understanding of this complex field's needs. His expertise lies in improving business quality, increasing productivity and efficiency, reducing risk costs, decreasing paperwork, and extending communications among professionals.

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:

• Struggle Is Your Success 

Show Quotes:

"We're trying to reach youth who've been criticized, and who haven't had opportunities through the traditional school system. For them to have a platform to understand that there is hope. That struggle is a good thing, not a bad thing. Your struggle can be reframed and used for you to succeed. Your struggles are also something you need to accept. We believe and model that It's okay to struggle, it's okay to fail, It's okay to feel rejected, it's not the end of the world." 

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Dr. Alexander (Alex) Osterwalder is the founder & CEO of Strategyzer and visiting professor at IMD Business School. He is ranked no. 4 of the top 50 management thinkers worldwide. 

Dr. Osterwalder is best known for inventing the Business Model Canvas together with Yves Pigneur. He wrote 5 global bestsellers and 1 business comic for kids. Strategyzer, his company, helps leading organizations around the world innovate and transform.

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:

• Strategyzer AG 

Show Quotes:

"Do not call yourself rebels or pirates if you are innovating!" "Innovation is creating value for the business, customers, employees, and stakeholders" "A great R&D program does not mean you are a great innovator!"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Art Proctor is an Afro-Indigenous neurodiverse tech steward, digital transformation analyst, and Indigitech project manager. He possesses a background in the Creative and Screen Sector, effectively bridging the realms of art, technology, and business. Art has a profound passion for promoting social and digital justice and has been a fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion long before it became a trend.

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:

• Indigitech Destiny
• Ottawa Museum - Hip Hop exhibit 
• SAIT 
• IATSE Union 
• Rainforest Alberta 
• Platform Calgary 

Show Quotes:

"I'm so happy that the NFT craze has, like, tanked and has been exposed as a complete Ponzi scheme."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Val McCarty is in the business of helping organizations visualize, communicate, and execute strategy in real time. Her studies were acquired at both University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University, and encompassed Management, Education, and Human Services, with an aim to continue learning. Her previous experience includes the Financial Sector, Fitness Sector, and Early Childhood Education.  When Val is not at work you can find her outside with her grandkids, or looking forward to the next live jam.

Guest: Nathan Johnson - During his upbringing, Nathan had a strong desire to understand the inner workings of things. When presented with an opportunity or challenge, he would deconstruct it, acquire knowledge, and reassemble it. As he progressed in his professional career, Nathan found that his passion for learning and systems played a crucial role in his success.

Nathan takes great pride in his ability to solve problems on a large scale and develop long-term solutions. He firmly believes that the key to success in life lies in the systems that facilitate information flow. According to him, if one does not implement systems to enhance information flow, they will always be at a disadvantage.

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:

• Stratus Advanced Technologies 
• Rainforest Alberta 

Show Quotes:

"Stratus is more than just a workplace – it's a community that embraces fresh ideas and encourages growth"   "We recognize the immense potential technology holds to revitalize Alberta's key sectors"

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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 SaaS Transformation and Migration | AWS Certified Solutions Architect

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:

• Arcus Cloud Services
• ChatGPT 
• AutoGPT 

Show Quotes:

"Three out of four VC funded traditional ISVs don't return a dime to their investors."  

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Esther Gons is CEO and Co-Founder of GroundControl. Software platform for measuring innovation. 

GroundControl offers a structured approach to de-risking innovation and reporting on relevant indicators and insights. Get your teams onboarded into this structure to kickstart innovation. Get your stakeholders involved with data-driven decision-making and risk reduction. GroundControl is used by companies such as Colgate/Palmolive, Euler Hermes, DHL, Enexis, and ABN Amro.

Esther is the co-author of the recently published Innovation Accounting book. This book provides a practical guide for measuring your company's innovation ecosystem. Winner of the 2022 Golden Axiom Business Book award.

Gons is the co-author of The Corporate Startup; How established companies can develop successful innovation ecosystems. Winner of the 2019 Golden Axiom Business Book Award and the 2018 Management Book Of The Year Award. Published world-wide and translated in Dutch, Indonesian, Japanese, German, and Polish.

She is an international speaker on topics of corporate innovation, innovation accounting, entrepreneurship, startups, lean methodology, business models, and customer development.

An entrepreneur for over 20 years she has mentored over several hundred startups so far, e.g. as lead mentor in the Rockstart Accelerator programs, Lean Startup Machine, and Evolv weekends.

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:

• GroundControl 
• Innovation Accounting Book 
• The Corporate Startup Book 

Show Quotes:

"Leaders, Managers, and individuals need the right metrics to ensure they are performing" 

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Jeff Krehmer, P.Eng., is the Author of the upcoming book 'Infinite Resources - How to Sustainably Develop the Arctic, by Supplying Green Hydrogen, Fresh Water, and Healthy Food to the World, while Mitigating the Negative Effects of Anthropogenic Climate Change.' He is President and Chief Engineer at Big Time Engineering Corp. He lives in Central Alberta with his wife and two children.  

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:

• Big Time Engineering Corp. 
• Infinite Resources Book 
• Engineers' Dreams by Willy Ley (1950's) 
• NIST - Chemistry Web Book 
• OTEC - Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion 

Show Quotes:

"I think of myself as an inventor at heart so I have a lot of radical ideas in my mind."    "As a side benefit when you run it through the fuel cell, you get water and the other side of it as well as electricity."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:  Uriel Karerwa is a Program Manager at IncluCity Calgary, an organization devoted to the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices in the design of technology. With a background in neuroscience, Uriel has been coordinating community events and working with neurodiverse groups in Lethbridge; and has spoken on the topic of atypical neurology on the TEDx stage! Uriel is always exploring opportunities to impact communities in areas like I.D.E.A., Social Innovation, and Sustainability.

Guest: Ranique McLaughlin is a woman in tech and the Founder of Hidden Gemz. She also really likes to draw, write stories and find new places to share with friends. 

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:

• Hidden Gemz
• Mitacs
• Grants and Wage Subsidies 

Show Quotes:

"A great way to make a difference and to give back is through Mentorship. Guidance that gives people the space to learn and develop skills. We need mentors that can help students develop. I'm always looking for guidance and leadership, I'm sure there are many people in the same boat." 

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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: Michael Dargie is a true wordsmith, a guardian of language who valiantly champions the cause of every single word, leaving none abandoned.

As the CEO and self-proclaimed 'Creative Zealot' at Make More Creative, a thriving brand intelligence agency nestled in Calgary, [person-name] orchestrates a symphony of creativity. Beyond the boardroom, they're an integral member of The Loose Moose Theatre, infusing their creative spirit into every performance.

But the narrative doesn't end there. This visionary mind is also the architect behind the ingenious BrandJitsu™ methodology. Not content with just that, they're a co-founder of the whimsical AI-powered food blog, TheKitchen.ai, and a co-creator of the enigmatic Fightclub for Entrepreneurs. A role as a speaker and mentor for the Canadian Trade Accelerator Program through Calgary Economic Development adds yet another layer to their multifaceted persona. And just to add a dash of daring, they're a seasoned expert when it comes to maneuvering motorcycles.

Whether it's an intimate tête-à-tête, a close-knit gathering, or a grand theater, [person-name] strives to kindle the flames of extraordinary living. Their mission: to inspire a departure from the mundane, to nurture unconventional thinking, and to craft narratives using the brushstrokes of creativity. Throughout their illustrious journey, they've collaborated with artists, entrepreneurs, local ventures, and even corporate giants across the globe. Together, they orchestrate the symphony of words and ideas, creating harmonious resonance.

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:

• Make More Creative
• Pierson's Funeral Home
• Dropbear & Panda
• Loose Moose Theatre
• TRS-80 CGP-115 Color Graphic Printer
• Meta - Oculus Pro
• Wakefield Brewster - Poetic VR Experience
• REMIO VA
• Brayden - Chaos Inc
• Commander Chris Hatfield
• TheKitchen.ai with Keegan Dargie
• Rebel Rebel Podcast 

Show Quotes:

"If you have a choice, always start positive."   "the thing that's standing out more and more to me lately is people that are just being there, and being truthful."  

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

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:  Uriel Karerwa is a Program Manager at IncluCity Calgary, an organization devoted to the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices in the design of technology. With a background in neuroscience, Uriel has been coordinating community events and working with neurodiverse groups in Lethbridge; and has spoken on the topic of atypical neurology on the TEDx stage! Uriel is always exploring opportunities to impact communities in areas like I.D.E.A., Social Innovation, and Sustainability.

Guest: Jerome Morgan Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working with diverse stakeholders in private, government and non- profit sector. Skilled in innovation, complexity thinking, systems change and Community Health. Strong business communicator. Entrepreneurial leader working to achieve economic and social impact. Post Graduate Certificate focused in Organizational Leadership, Innovation and Complex Systems from Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in partnership with Suncor Foundation and University of Waterloo.

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:

• Innovate Calgary 

Show Quotes:

"BIPOC founders want to be part of [the ecosystem], and we want to be celebrated within it. It's not just about celebrating the founders, it's about celebrating the communities that make up the larger ecosystem." 

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan