Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

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.

Another episode from Edmonton hosted by Christopher Drobot.  Christopher Drobot is a passionate cheerleader for the potential of the Edmonton region. Although not directly an entrepreneur himself, his extensive experience in business operations and now mortgage lending help focus his excitement on the ideas that can see the city grow. He is involved in the push to bring a world-class aquarium to the city, is completing an MBA, and – together with his wife – homeschools his two children. The parallels between entrepreneurialism and homeschooling have been many, and he sees an overarching lesson in both: you have to create the world you wish to see.

Ruthann Weeks is the founder of Harmony In The Workplace Ltd. She is a tireless forward thinking crusader whose efforts have helped to bring the importance of an abuse-free work environment to the forefront of public awareness. She is also a gifted corporate keynote speaker who delivers a powerful message about today’s workplace challenges to senior executives and decision makers. Starting off as a Certified Information and Referral Specialist in the human service sector, Ruthann went on to graduate as a Human Resource Manager. She also obtained her CMHA certification as a Psychological Health and Safety Advisor. Along the way, Ruthann discovered that the more she learned about workplace bullying, sexual harassment, and psychological safety, the more she wanted to improve the workplace environment for everyone. That’s when she first established her social enterprise to foster safety in the workplace by addressing violence and harassment through practical education and risk mitigating strategies. In keeping with her desire to build corporate social responsibility into her business model and in furtherance of her grand vision to help create safe spaces for those fleeing abuse, Ruthann donates a portion of all revenues to domestic violence prevention 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.

Show Summary: 

Ruthann shares how she took disappointment and one negative experience at a previous employer and turned it into fuel to start out in another direction entirely – finding ways to help others prevent some of the same experiences she encountered. Not only did she spend time building up her business over the past four years, but has found ways to pivot as COVID began, developing coursework and seminars that continued to move her business forward digitally. Her optimistic approach, and positive mindset enable her to help businesses thrive.

Show Quote:

"Make an appointment with your disappointment – schedule it, put it in your calendar [...] and then get refocused." 

"When someone’s in the right position for them, they feel it in their core. If you feel energized by your work, you’re on the right path"

"We’re all in the same storm, but not in the same boat [...] now more than ever is the time to be gracious towards others."

"You must invest in yourself, you have to. Rather than a scarcity mindset, to be an entrepreneur you have to have an abundance mindset."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

Episode Audio Editing: Kate Day - KD Sound Design

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.

Lori Farley Lori’s business and voluntary commitments curate and facilitate: connections, relationships, and opportunities for social change through entrepreneurship, partnerships, and alliances between various sectors around the globe including Community development, Arts, Disability, Education, and Technology. Lori is involved in numerous ventures related to social innovation and socio-economic development including Intonovus Canada and Impact Calgary.

Lori is involved in supporting cross-sector social and economic development with a mission of sharing and mobilizing time, money, resources, energy, talents, and best practices that align to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), B Corp standards (B Corp) and IRIS metrics (IRIS), all designed to measure the social, environmental and financial performance of companies and investments.

INTONOVUS Canada is a not for profit designed to partner with those advancing social impact, social enterprise, and impact investing:

IMPACT CALGARY is a social business venture launching coworking, ‘impact first’ business development, and access to funding for social entrepreneurs and benefit businesses. These ventures include foci on social impact technologies (such as Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)), parentpreneurship (child and family-friendly professional work spaces), and crowdfunding.

As part of her passion for rural-urban economic corridor development, she is working to replicate economic diversity in Alberta through rural tech hubs.

She is also a partner in business that supports producers, processors, and manufacturers of Alberta agri-food s to access markets in China and Southeast Asia.

Rachneet Randhawa. I'm Rachneet and my hometown has always been Calgary. I have noticed that we are often not taught to find "our voice" before "we speak." Schooling doesn't teach us that – not entirely. I've also always been a wanderer and have wanted to be a travel bug. It was a couple of trips to India to see the family growing up that I was shocked to see a country ridden with both a) poverty and b) pollution and also culture shock towards my South Asian heritage and roots. I always reflected on: what more can I do for my community? Having this unique point of view of being Canadian and coming from a different culture, I realized that there was so much more I need to see, learn and experience from other countries, states and cities across the globe.

I have attended and represented Initiatives of Change (Canada), a peacebuilding forum and the completed the Caux Scholars Program (CSP) of Initiatives of Change, USA. I also had the chance to network with an alumnus of CSP of over 1000 people from 109 countries. It was an exhilarating experience I was grateful for. Because of it, I am now able to assess the adversity in old and destructive narratives and have a proactive approach to becoming a problem solver. For instance, our epidemic of domestic violence in Calgary is regardless of culture, creed, tradition, or socio-economic status and overlooks the malevolence of gender disparity of power and control within intimate partner violence. My internship with Impact Calgary and Intonovus Canada was an eye-opening experience because for once I began to see what I can offer my community rather than what it can offer me. And most extraordinarily of all - we as youth can be the change we wish to see in the world through social impact and social entrepreneurship. What is the most fascinating is the social impact not only addresses the triple bottom line of People, Profit and Planet but has the grit and ingenuity to change people's values, attitudes and behaviours - the most powerful transformation of all. As a generation of millennials, we are falsely associated with a sense of entitlement and status oriented. This is because we are not taught how to use our potential capability in a dignified and humbling way and become changemakers.

So what is my story? Well, I am for a career in law/journalism and social enterprise. What does that exactly mean? I want to combine my interests in writing and mediography to pursue solutions of innovation for sustainability, women's rights and security and the way we can use social media to realize the everlasting benefits of the "giver's gain."

One everlasting piece of advice I would tell youth graduating from university/college nowadays is to be open to the possibilities and to make decisions out of love and not fear.

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 Summary: 

How this millennial, has been learning to use her potential capability to become a changemaker through entrepreneurship.

Show Quote:

"I think things aren't going to change until people my age, they've realized that, it's really, the resources are inside of them. It's not really somewhere out there. There's a lot of potential in your own city, they don’t have to look halfway across the country." 

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

Episode Audio Editing: Kate Day - KD Sound Design

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.

Another episode from Edmonton hosted by Christopher Drobot.  Christopher Drobot is a passionate cheerleader for the potential of the Edmonton region. Although not directly an entrepreneur himself, his extensive experience in business operations and now mortgage lending help focus his excitement on the ideas that can see the city grow. He is involved in the push to bring a world-class aquarium to the city, is completing an MBA, and – together with his wife – homeschools his two children. The parallels between entrepreneurialism and homeschooling have been many, and he sees an overarching lesson in both: you have to create the world you wish to see.

Shelvie Fernan moved to Edmonton when she was 20 years old fresh from the Philippines. She was finishing her degree in Bachelors Of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering when her entire family decided to move to Canada.  She worked as a manager of a clothing retail store for a year then she decided to pursue her degree in Business Administration Major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Throughout post-secondary, Shelvie was a student leader serving as a club executive for the Filipino Students Association. She also competed in various case competitions representing NAIT. Prior to graduation, Shelvie got a job offer by Manpower Alberta as the Job Placement Consultant of TECHCareers. This experience exposed her to the local tech ecosystem and introduced her to Rainforest. A few months into the job, Shelvie decided to pursue her entrepreneurial dream by starting Fly and Fetch. She is currently the CEO of this early stage start-up leading her team and tasked with business development, sales, and operations.

Victoria Celi was born and raised in Ecuador, where she worked for the Government  in topics related with eradication of poverty and redistribution of wealth. She founded a company whose mission was to promote ventures and facilitate their access to the national market. This experience helped her to discover her passion for entrepreneurship, so she decided to move to Canada to improve her knowledge and skills in this field. Currently, she is studying a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at NAIT, and is the co-founder of Fly and Fetch, an online Peer-to-Peer Shipping Marketplace that connects travelers, with extra luggage space, and shippers who need to send a package abroad.

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 Summary: 

This is the story of how one idea will often lead you to another – or how you need to recognize when opportunity is actually knocking on your door. Shelvie and Victoria were both talking about a different business that Shelvie had started up, and upon encountering a problem in that business that would be easily solved through paying a friend who was travelling...a business was born! Hear the story of idea to product – and the backgrounds of the two entrepreneurs themselves – for an “obvious” idea (that no one is doing!) that these two energetic entrepreneurs decided to bring to life in a formalized way.

Show Quote:

"Rainforest was one of the first places where I really felt comfortable to speak up and share my ideas" 

"Our travellers are going to be really attached to their community – because there will be that sense of trust"

"Because a lot of the travellers are going to be from the same backgrounds, it’s more than just about the products that are being shipped – it’s like we speak the same language, being able to reminisce about “home”, wherever they are trying ship."

"Before, when I had started a company in my home country, it was me and my co-founder, and we didn’t have any insight from outside. Here in Edmonton we feel so much more supported by the community as a whole."

"Be open to change: you need to be versatile, you need to be agile. Things will happen that you don’t expect, but don’t give up"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

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.

 

Jade Alberts is the Founder of Peer Guidance and a Business Strategist / Entrepreneur / Connector / Investor that Tells It Like It Is. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes you have to let go to grow, so contact him to set up an Honest Meeting.

Jade enjoys building trusting relationships with "Handshake Honesty." He has a genuine passion for both people and businesses. Honesty, Authenticity, Networking, Connecting, and Sharing are the pillars of his belief system.

Join Jade on his Facebook Live “Telling It Like it Is” Interview every Wednesday 9:30am MST. It's a 15-minute discussion that shares Small Business Owners' stories.

www.PeerGuidance.ca

 

www.facebook.com/JadeAlbertsConsulting

Derek Fraser is a seasoned and energetic executive who is committed to enlarging the pool of financial resources to fund the changes in our world worthy of investment. Committed to a donor-centred approach to realizing impact and philanthropic success. Derek possesses an expert level of knowledge with years of service to many organizations, and delivers results quickly. Stressing the importance of stewardship in all philanthropic activities and an advocate for it at all levels. Fostering and maintaining significant relationships worldwide through a genuine interest in donors, their families and the broader philanthropic sector. Ardent supporter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Donor Bill of Rights, and the AFP Code of Ethics demanded for membership in AFP. Let's make this HAPPEN!

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 Summary: 

One of the pillars of Rainforest Alberta is "Giving Back".  In this episode, Jade speaks with seasoned executive and philanthropist, Derek Fraser about the importance of philanthropy and ethics.

Show Quote:

"The opportunity to reach out to people because often you’re afraid to ask for help" 

"People Care about you and your longevity"

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

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.

Another episode from Edmonton hosted by Christopher Drobot.  Christopher Drobot is a passionate cheerleader for the potential of the Edmonton region. Although not directly an entrepreneur himself, his extensive experience in business operations and now mortgage lending help focus his excitement on the ideas that can see the city grow. He is involved in the push to bring a world-class aquarium to the city, is completing an MBA, and – together with his wife – homeschools his two children. The parallels between entrepreneurialism and homeschooling have been many, and he sees an overarching lesson in both: you have to create the world you wish to see.

Mack Male is a dedicated community-builder who has given back through thousands of hours of board, committee, and volunteer work for more than a dozen different organizations. Along his own journey in the technology space, he was involved early in the pre-DotCom boom, and has continued to grow and evolve along the way. Today, he is co-founder of Taproot Media, and has received numerous distinctions over the years such as Top 40 under 40 from Avenue Magazine, and one of Alberta’s Next 10 Most Influential People by Alberta Venture Magazine. He is also deeply involved in the tech community in Edmonton, and shares an interest in municipal politics – a subject on which he co-hosts his own podcast, Speaking Municipally.

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 Summary: 

Mack shares with us his story within the Edmonton tech community – from early days in the pre-DotCom area, through to now. Along the way, he shares some great words of wisdom regarding how to make your venture “stick”, while also advising people to recognize when the time is right to move on. As a co-founder of Taproot Media, he has seen the value of going “all-in” on a project, and the results that can come through focused efforts. Mack’s journey is one of questions, and of an appreciation for good journalism – of truly getting to the bottom of things. Thankfully for us, there’s always another question to ask, and Mack and Taproot Media are there to find the answers.

Show Quote:

"Cadence and frequency are really important, it builds habit and expectation from your audience – if you show up and continue to work at it, it’s bound to pay off." 

"First and foremost we wanted to build a really successful business. We figured if we could make something work here, then we could have an impact on media and journalism worldwide."

"The decentralized network of people within the community is far more successful than having one wayfinder. You need to try things, talk to new people, and be open to making new connections – that’s how the most successful people stay open to opportunity."

"You don’t need to be a 22-yr-old white man living on ramen to build a company. That’s the person we see in pop culture, but that’s not consistent with who is actually able to do something. You just have to go out and start something. That’s it."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

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.

I am hosting this episode myself.  I am a proven leader with over twenty-three years of diverse experience designing, delivering, and supporting software and technology projects. I believe in giving back to my community and I enjoy networking and helping to grow Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.  Creatively you will find me pursuing my passions of podcasting, photography and wood working along with the occasional round of golf.

Jade Alberts is the Founder of Peer Guidance and a Business Strategist / Entrepreneur / Connector / Investor that Tells It Like It Is. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes you have to let go to grow, so contact him to set up an Honest Meeting.

Jade enjoys building trusting relationships with "Handshake Honesty." He has a genuine passion for both people and businesses. Honesty, Authenticity, Networking, Connecting, and Sharing are the pillars of his belief system.

Join Jade on his Facebook Live “Telling It Like it Is” Interview every Wednesday 9:30am MST. It's a 15-minute discussion that shares Small Business Owners' stories.

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.

Episode Summary:
Krista is a talented drummer and music teacher, but she is also a magazine publisher.  The story of how Community Now Magazine came to be is interesting enough, but what the magazine strives to do in the community is outstanding. 

Quotes:

"We're not talking to each other, we stay in our industry. Not-for-profits talk to not-for-profits, but they need business, education and innovation. Same for business, we need the not-for-profits and the community and education to make everything work."

"The Rainforest is one of the best community places you can go for business because it really truly represents helping each other, without expecting anything back. And it allows you to use your skills to help other people move forward."

"We all need to share everything to help each other grow... to support each other, and help inspire others to do really cool things."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

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.

Another episode from Edmonton hosted by Christopher Drobot.  Christopher Drobot is a passionate cheerleader for the potential of the Edmonton region. Although not directly an entrepreneur himself, his extensive experience in business operations and now mortgage lending help focus his excitement on the ideas that can see the city grow. He is involved in the push to bring a world-class aquarium to the city, is completing an MBA, and – together with his wife – homeschools his two children. The parallels between entrepreneurialism and homeschooling have been many, and he sees an overarching lesson in both: you have to create the world you wish to see.

Jay Downton is a local entrepreneur and community advocate, whose own personal philosophies line up well with Rainforest AB’s ethos. Describing himself as simply a “Passionate Edmontonian”, Jay maintains a humble approach. However that belies his true impact in our community as he is the President of Oodle Noodle, Co-founder at the Nation Network (Oilersnation, et al), and Co-Owner of The Little Brick Cafe and the River Valley Company. While his experience has been one of “failing forward” at times, he has been a serial entrepreneur for years, and is a believer of the importance of community in building 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 Summary: 

Jay walks us through his early beginnings from business opportunities (and failures) in his college days to share with us how he followed his passions to reach the community through his work. While he has companies across digital marketing, the restaurant industry, and construction and development, all of them are centered on the idea of bringing people together – with Edmonton as the focal point. Jay’s motivations are based on community-building, and he gets excited by people finding connections with each other. “We’re missionaries” he says, “to slowly turn the world into Edmonton fans.”

Show Quote:

"All roads lead to Edmonton. We are doing what we can to make Edmonton a Global 10" 

"I’m a believer in building a business that you’re passionate about – if you don’t have that passion, you’ll have nothing to keep fueling you through the tough days."

"Building those networks and communities is how we win together...you might have seven ideas, but they might not all work, and they might come together and work around that one winning idea to make Edmonton a better place for winning ideas to grow."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

Episode Audio Editing: Kate Day - KD Sound Design

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.

I am hosting this episode myself.  For more than 20 years I have provided leadership and guidance in technology and software development. When I am not networking, making connections and trying to help out wherever I can, I follow my creative passions of graphic design and photography.

Krista Malden is the publisher of Community Now! Magazine.  She is Exploring and connecting the community one story at a time.

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.

Episode Summary:
Krista is a talented drummer and music teacher, but she is also a magazine publisher.  The story of how Community Now Magazine came to be is interesting enough, but what the magazine strives to do in the community is outstanding. 

Quotes:

"We're not talking to each other, we stay in our industry. Not-for-profits talk to not-for-profits, but they need business, education and innovation. Same for business, we need the not-for-profits and the community and education to make everything work."

"The Rainforest is one of the best community places you can go for business because it really truly represents helping each other, without expecting anything back. And it allows you to use your skills to help other people move forward."

"We all need to share everything to help each other grow... to support each other, and help inspire others to do really cool things."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Community Now! Magazine

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.

This episode is hosted by Kate Day. Kate is a Freelancer providing Voice Over, Audio Editing, and Podcast Support as KD Sound Design. With 12 years experience in Radio Broadcasting as a producer, she offers businesses a new option of marketing via podcasting and adds that extra polished finish to any project needing audio processing.

Micah Louison is the 25 year old founder of the start-up Home In A Bag. His entrepreneur Journey started after entering the concept for Home In A Bag into a business idea pitch competition. The inspiration for Home In A Bag came from the experience at the age of eight after his birthplace of Grenada was devastated by a Category 5 hurricane which caused his family to move to Canada.

With the guidance of mentors he’s met through the Rainforest, he has overcome the hurdles that come with building a tech startup. With this help he’s been able to make effective entrepreneurial decisions which got him to be featured by the United Nations Inspiring Youth Day. Micah is hoping to change the world with Home In a Bag.

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 Summary:

Home in a Bag is inspired from experiences Micah has had in disasters and with the help of the Rainforest has become a reality. We discuss the birth of the idea and how it has evolved to today’s version plus what’s next.

Show Quote:

"I just started talking about Home in a Bag to EVERYONE. Everything was about HOME In A Bag! … I found as I added to it, the imagination of others... started building on it. Then it turned into Home in a Bag: It’s a portable sleeping bag/Tent that’s built into a camping backpack. It is a home that fits into a bag."

"Rainforest has been instrumental in EVERY SINGLE STEP… it's the consistency of having my imagination validated on a weekly basis that kept it going." 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Workhaus Core

Episode Audio Editing: Kate Day - KD Sound Design

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.

I am hosting this episode myself.  For more than 20 years I have provided leadership and guidance in technology and software development. When I am not networking, making connections and trying to help out wherever I can, I follow my creative passions of graphic design and photography.

Matt Templeton has a Masters of Science where he specialized in Artificial Intelligence and Computing. He became a partner at Associated Research, where he spent almost 15 years perfecting his product development skills. He holds multiple patents on a range of products both in Canada and internationally. His first start-up was a Health and Safety company which he grew to nearly 30 employees and over 3 million in annual revenues. 

As discussed in this episode: A great book on leadership and creativity is "Creativity Inc." by Ed Catmull

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.

Episode Summary:
Matt and I dig into the concept of "the generalist" and how being curious and having an insatiable desire to learn, as well as genuinely being interested in people can be a super power for entrepreneurs. Leadership and people skills are so much more important than technical skills when you are trying to run a company.

Quotes:

"If anyone's ever had sort of an office mom, you know you love them... they are critical"

"Enjoy your passion, and learn lots and lots of different things, but a little bit of strategy and a little bit of forethought goes a long way"

"When I was young, I overvalued the technical skills though. I wish I had started earlier on... leadership stuff, working with people, learning how to work well with people"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Capturing Legacies

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan