Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

They call it the third version of the Internet (web 3), but what does that mean?  What is the Metaverse? Join Al Del Degan and guest Sid Sharma as they unpack this complicated new 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: Al Del Degan I have been involved in software development for more than 25 years. I have started companies, lead companies and worked for companies - doing many different things. I am honored to be considered a leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem, and I give back as much, and often as I can. When I am not working or podcasting, you will find me pursuing my passions of photography, crypto investing, and wood working along with the occasional round of golf.

Guest: Sid Sharma is a co-founder and CEO of REHUMAN Inc. a decentralized identity & metaverse company with a mission to build an inclusive and equitable global digital economy. REHUMAN is based in the US, Canada, and Africa.

REHUMAN was founded in 2019 with a dream to make a positive impact in the world through innovative products and philanthropy. And for the past 3 years, REHUMAN Foundation is committed to providing daily meals to 1500 children in Africa, along with funding for the school infrastructure and maintenance. 

Sid has over a decade of experience in HR tech, identity management & cybersecurity, He got involved in blockchain development in 2016 starting with Ethereum, and Hyperledger which eventually led him to self-sovereign identity/ decentralized identity/ ToIP in 2018.

He is also a contributor at W3C, DIF, and Hyperledger. Sid currently leads the Hyperledger chapter for Alberta and the Western Canada chapter for Government Blockchain Association.

Sid is a community builder and a supporter of Alberta’s startup ecosystem. In 2019, he launched a western Canada chapter of the Founder Institute. And built a team of over 100 mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners such as Dentons, KPMG, Platform Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, Thin Air Labs, Valhalla Angels, and more.

Sid is a champion for diversity, mental health, and inclusive leadership.

In his free time, Sid hosts a podcast and a youtube channel. In Dec 2017, RE:HUMAN podcast (formerly JOLSID podcast) was ranked in “the top 48 podcasts in the world for entrepreneurs” by Entreprenur.com.

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:

• reHuman Inc.
• reUniverse
• Founders Institute

Show Quotes:

"You go to places and basically they want so much information about you or they won't even do background checks on you. They just look at you and just because you don't look like the usual demographics, you don't get the same opportunity."

"So many people move to this country and they're educated doctors and physicians and stuff, and we have shortage of those people, but they drive cabs, so somebody's failing them"

"The late majority only adopts things when user experience has been simplified. And right now user experience sucks in Web3"

"If we really want Alberta to be next level, we have to go back to our roots of being pioneers and taking a little bit risk as opposed to we have to be political this, political that. And sometimes you just have to do it."

"From a creator's perspective, you, you have to think about it. Have we done enough to protect our kids?"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

How to Get Started With Solar.  A conversation with a Solar expert will give you insights and open doors to Solar Energy for homeowners and industry.

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: Jordon Kruhlak is a graduate of the NAIT Alternative Energy Program and U of A School of Business with experience in energy auditing, Solar PV and entrepreneurship. Jordan is the current owner and founder of Glean, a sustainability marketplace that helps homeowners learn if solar is right for them. Glean gets homeowners 3 solar quotes and help them decide which installer is right for them.

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.

Links:

• Glean Sustainability Inc.

Show Quotes:

"The questions asked the most are about Batteries, Snow, and Electricity"

"Most solar installations actually don't have batteries. They're what we call a grid connected solar installation. And so the electricity grid actually acts as your battery."

"We have a network of solar installers. And we present each homeowner with three solar quotes in an easy to compare format. And then what we do is we do a one-on-one call with each homeowner to explain the unique features of each quote and help them decide which installer is right for them."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

If you are looking for a path to successful passive investing then look no farther than Kenton Shouldice. Straight-forward, no-nonsense education and guidance on how to be like the squirrels.

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 I have been involved in software development for more than 25 years. I have started companies, lead companies and worked for companies - doing many different things. I am honored to be considered a leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem, and I give back as much, and often as I can. When I am not working or podcasting, you will find me pursuing my passions of photography, crypto investing, and wood working along with the occasional round of golf.

Guest: Kenton Shouldice is a CFA Charterholder with over 13 years of experience in the investment management industry. Most recently, as Vice President of Portfolio Management at Fiera Capital where he oversaw $3 billion in High Net Worth client assets. Founded Shouldice Wealth in 2016 to bring integrated wealth management services, typically only available to high net worth individuals, to the emerging affluent.

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:

• Shouldice Wealth

Show Quotes:

"at the very least, if I can get this book in front of a child and just instill the habit of saving for the future, the other things can come."

"Over a 15 year period or longer, 90% of active managers underperform the benchmark." 

"We all feel panic and fear, and that affects our decision making. Now, when we're under stress, we lose 10 IQ points, I think is the study. So we can't necessarily distrust our, our heads or our emotions in these times. So that's where becoming a probability based investor is, is the key to success."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Tackling situations from different perspectives and providing innovative solution to business challenges   Title: "Be more efficient in Change"

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: Steve Krushelniski As a results-driven leader, I offer a combination of expertise in business development, operations management, and strategic planning. Throughout my career, I have helped organizations enhance results by utilizing strategic processes and motivational leadership to drive operational excellence. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to lead organizations through rapid change with a focus on bottom-line results.

As a leader, I’ve been recognized for tackling situations from different perspectives and providing innovative solutions to business challenges. I aim to improve overall success while leaving a lasting impact on my organization!

Currently, I am involved with the A21 Campaign, an organization that helps rescue and rehabilitate the victims of human trafficking. I am also involved with Home of Hope, and these guys build orphanages around the world. 

I believe that good business grows and is profitable both from a social and a monetary perspective.

Guest: Stan Leong I am a leader and CEO with 28 years experience in multiple facets of North American energy services markets, most recently growing a family owned, chemical business into a multi-national, private company with offices in Alberta, Texas and Oklahoma.

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.

Links:

• MissionX.ai

Show Quotes:

"70% of technology projects implemented fail to meet the customer's expectations" 

"innovation is a good thing, not a bad thing"

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Kelsey & Adam discuss leadership development in business; The future of work; The challenges associated with traditional leadership learning models; The Alberta & Calgary tech ecosystem; What it takes to be a good leader; Fund raising in Alberta, Canada & the USA

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: Kelsey Hahn is Co-Founder and CEO of Monark, on-demand, digital leadership growth, facilitating experiential learning for all kinds of leaders, at all phases of their careers. Prior to Monark, I was the Managing Director at Viewpoint Research, overseeing a team of talented researchers dedicated to evolving society’s knowledge about business leadership and advanced organizational practices. Everything I have learned has come from my background as a college athlete, and my experiences working with high-performers and executive leaders in private equity, investment, and energy.

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.

Links:

• Monark

Show Quotes:

"Working moms in tech startups is challenging, and we need to have a whole support system behind us in order to succeed."

"What we're seeing is that by 2025 millennials will really have eclipsed baby boomers and Gen Xers in terms of the leadership positions that they're taking in organizations."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Unblocking Barriers and Hindrances with Technology Making Technology Easier for Everyone 

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: John Hetherington Project Manager, Integrator and Implementer with WeDeliverYourVision.com

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.

Links:

• We Deliver Your Vision

Show Quotes:

"When we think about technology used in the right way, it's gonna save time, help grow your business, and ultimately grow revenue."

"Don't let technology be a solution looking for a problem."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Advocate for Inclusion and Tech Smarts

Have you considered a neurodiverse workforce? Tara Langan, Employer Engagement Coordinator shares more about how Autism CanTech! an inclusive project Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy is building more inclusive work environments and having leaders in industry think differently about the capabilities of individuals on the spectrum.

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: Tara Langan a self proclaimed over achiever who smiles often. A passionate relationship builder who is a natural connector and creator of opportunities.

Currently a matchmaker in the industry connecting employers with qualified talent that can help with data management / data wrangling / Power BI / SQL coding.

Currently passionate about creating work opportunities and partnerships for autistic youth to gain meaningful work experience in the Digital economy. 

Equally passionate about supporting employers in creating workplaces that are inclusive and will help them achieve optimal results.

Tara Langan is an Edmonton based HR Strategic Business Partner with over 10 years of HR experience consulting on a broad range of HR functions in both private and municipal and provincial government.

Tara is also pursuing her Associated Certified Coach credentials and is a practicing Executive Coach with over 60 hours.

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.

Links:

• Autism CanTech

Show Quotes:

"I'm happy to share first and foremost that these students are getting hired. That in itself is, you know, probably the biggest accomplishment of our project."

"I think when we talk about diversity and inclusion, for some of us, the language even gets lost when sometimes we can just boil it down to valuing the skillset of others."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

A great conversation about Kevin's background, journey into the innovation/tech sector, and the work that Plug and Play is up to now!

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: Jennifer Morrison has over 11 years of experience as an educator and received her Masters of Educational Leadership from High Tech High Graduate School of Education in San Diego, CA. Jen possesses extensive experience in project-based and experiential learning and design thinking. 

Jen spent many years teaching middle and high school students which provided her with a foundational love of learning and passion for exploration and personal growth. Following her natural curiosity and growth mindset, she honed her leadership skills and dove deep into project based learning.

Lead Learning Designer & Strategist with InceptionU, Jen provides valued leadership, guidance, meaningful connections and an engaging learning environment.

Guest: Kevin Dahl's background is peppered with senior roles in community building, ecosystem development, marketing, business development, sales, project management, product development, operations, and HR. He has expertise in several industries including mobile payments, hospitality tech, telecommunications, music, and tech incubation. Kevin is a geek at heart. He loves technology and is fascinated by its impact on society.

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.

Links:

• Plug and Play Tech Centre 

Show Quotes:

"when we talk about startups or we talk about building something, it usually takes a village. It's not the success of a startup. It's not necessarily determined on just the individual founders or even the early employees, but it's about the community that rallies around to support them"

"when we look at how is Alberta going to really create a global competitive ecosystem community that allows us to punch above our weight, I think that it is the fact that we do have a very tight knit community. We have people in the community that value their connections, value their reputation and really value working together."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Are students ready for what comes next? Take on the future growing collaboration between industry and community to close the skills gap in Alberta.

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: Dan Olesen is working with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships, in areas of skill shortages. A work integrated learning model that puts experience before post-secondary training.

As a passionate Albertan (born and raised), and a client focused resource professional in process development and program delivery; he has a proven track record in advancing education initiatives with social responsibility. In turn, works with participating partners to effectively engage youth into internship opportunities, as part of Alberta high school off campus education initiatives.

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.

Links:

• Careers 

Show Quotes:

"so what do students really need? They need the people with the same values that resonate within the rainforest social contract. They need those people to step up and say hey, I wanna give you my time and show you what I do, and maybe give you a taste for what it is so that you can make better career educated decisions."

"The biggest risk around students is employers treating them like children. And when they do that, they usually have a harder time. When we start to embrace the professional side of students, it's amazing how quickly they step into that role and they're willing to engage. But when we keep them counting Popsicle sticks, they don't feel valued."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

 

Geoff Zakiab and Uriel Karerwa are making the digital world more inclusive through their new not-for-profit startup IncluCity that provides user testing with a pool of very diverse testers.

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 I have been involved in software development for more than 25 years. I have started companies, lead companies and worked for companies - doing many different things. I am honored to be considered a leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem, and I give back as much, and often as I can. When I am not working or podcasting, you will find me pursuing my passions of photography, crypto investing, and wood working along with the occasional round of golf.

Guest: Geoff Zakaib is a community organizer with a strong interest in data and technology. Over the last 10 years he has been involved in a number of initiatives that span the public, private and social sectors. He is a Director of Data for Good and the organizer of the Calgary chapter. He co-founded CivicTechYYC and has helped to build the civic tech ecosystem across Canada. Geoff is one of the founders of IncluCity Calgary and is a partner in the Centre for Social Impact Technology.

Guest: Uriel Karerwa is the project coordinator at IncluCity Calgary, an organization devoted to the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices in the design of technology. Uriel is responsible for coordinating the usability tests, the volunteer UX researchers, and the network of communities in Calgary that are consulted in the inclusion-centered design model.

Uriel has a background in Neuroscience, has worked with Neurodiverse groups, and has a history of coordinating community-geared initiatives. Former radio host and podcaster, he's also presented on the TEDx stage, sharing his own atypical neurological development.

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:

• CivicTechYYC
• Data for Good
• Volly Volunteer App
• Civic User Testing
• Vivacity
• Calgary UX
• The Digital Accessibility Handbook

Show Quotes:

"it really does require efforts from everybody and people that are willing to get involved to provide that diverse group of testers and we would do that recruiting for you and conducts the usability tests, all the while keeping in contact with our client organization to make sure that everything is as intended, as expected"

"user design and usability testing is not new. Like we're not suggesting that it is right. So our value proposition, what we bring to the table is that built in inclusive, diverse group of testers. That's really hard to build."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan