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Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast showcases those who are contributing to and / or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta. Rainforest Alberta is a world-class community of dreamers and doers, connected by a common goal of making Alberta fertile ground for building, developing, and growing innovative ideas into sustainable ventures. https://rainforestab.ca
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
Peter Beaudoin Hosts Terry Rock on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
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 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.
Dr. Terry Rock is working to bring innovation to the core of the Calgary and Alberta economies. He is a passionate promoter of Calgary’s potential and has an extensive entrepreneurial and strategic leadership background.
Terry’s previous experience has covered a wide variety of contexts and industries including Principal of Rock Strategy & Leadership, Executive Director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association, and Strategic Advisor to Alberta Music Cities. He was also the founding CEO of Calgary Arts Development Authority. Terry brings diverse experience in consulting for high-potential technology ventures, government relations, marketing and sector development, all critical to CTI in its work to establish Calgary as a global innovation hub.
Terry currently works with many Calgary-based boards including the TELUS Calgary Community Board, the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival Board, and the board for Hillhurst United Church. He has previously sat on the founding board of cSPACE Projects, and was the Chair of the AIESEC Canada Inc. board where he had been their President.
Terry holds a PhD in Management with a focus on Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan.
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:
Join us as Terry Rock, President and CEO, of Platform Calgary, discusses the organisation’s role in helping Calgary transform into a global hub for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Quotes:
"We need a thriving and connected ecosystem, and where we are as a city, we are well positioned"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Capturing Legacies Inc.
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
Christopher Drobot Hosts Kyle Handfield on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
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.
Kyle Handfield is founder and Managing Director with Ventrify Inc. With a background in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta, Kyle worked with several organizations – including overseas – before eventually founding Ventrify here in Edmonton. His view and vision are that innovation is not looking at problems differently, but finding solutions to problems that nobody knows exist. As a hardware producer and startup, Kyle and the team at Ventrify aim to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to the real world, collaborating with clients from design all the way through to manufacturing overseas. A private pilot as well, Kyle finds ways to see things from a different perspective.
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:
Kyle went to Asia and back - and in the process realized what he could make right here in Edmonton. Follow along to learn about how a humble product design and manufacturing firm has global aspirations.
Show Quote:
"Trust in trying opportunities! If you continue to try stuff, you’ll land on your feet and find that thing that you want to wake up for"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Levven Electronics
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
Peter Beaudoin Hosts Jaime Wood on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
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 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.
Jaime Wood is the co-founder of Fanoramas, a fan engagement company in the sports tech sector. She's built her career in Digital Strategy working for some of the worlds biggest brands and has a background in innovation clusters, market research, and data and analytics.
https://fanoramas.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.
Episode Summary:
Jaime discusses her founder journey from starting Fanoramas, taking part in the Junction accelerator and the process to build their international sales plan.
Quotes:
"We are planting a lot of seeds, we want to be global out of the gate…"
"People are eager and want to help you succeed and will help to get you the answers to succeed. That is the level of support that exists in this city…"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Capturing Legacies Inc.
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 05, 2019
Christopher Drobot Hosts Mike Zouhri on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Nov 05, 2019
Tuesday Nov 05, 2019
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.
Mike Zouhri is a serial entrepreneur who has applied his infectious energy towards solving problems in fields as diverse as non-profit housing, image processing, publishing, fashion, and now legal services. Mike describes his unifying theme as “projects that are interesting, creative, and that (hopefully) advance the social good”. Mike has received numerous accolades over the years, such as a Top 40 Under 40 Edmonton from Avenue Magazine, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and an Edmonton Excellence award. Having graduated from the University of Alberta after studying Neuroscience, and having worked on his projects from here as well, Mike is truly connected to the community. Mike’s current venture is called Painworth (painworth.com), which seeks to streamline and simplify injury law.
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:
Mike finds himself in the word of injury law by accident, and applies his entrepreneurial flair to what turns out to be a Really Big Problem, and becomes an access-to-justice advocate along the way.
Show Quote:
"Just jump in and do it - there’s no better way to learn!"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Levven Electronics
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Oct 29, 2019
Al Del Degan Hosts Kevin MacDonald on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Oct 29, 2019
Tuesday Oct 29, 2019
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.
Kevin MacDonald started his first company at 19 years old. Since that time, He has had a very successful career as an entrepreneur in high tech. Today, he balances mentorship and business advising for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital for growth and acquisition. Kevin has been instrumental in many mergers and acquisitions in technology. Throughout his career, and ongoing today, Kevin is a subject matter expert for sales, marketing, communications, and operations for large corporate companies as well as tech startups.
Visit Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies for a unique and unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.
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:
Kevin takes us through his fascinating career path from being a 19-year-old entrepreneur in university through various roles in communications and marketing for industry leading technology companies, before finally retiring at a young age to become a mentor and investor in the startup and small business community. Kevin has a lot of great advice for new business owners and can tell you what a properly cooked dove tastes like in Texas.
Quotes:
"Don’t drink the Kool Aid"
"You have to get over your own ego"
"Never be afraid to fail"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Workhaus Core
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
Christopher Drobot Hosts Zachary Storms on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
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.
Zachary Storms is first and foremost a scientist, but beyond that he is a builder: a builder of companies, a builder of business, and a builder of community. He is involved with Fitset Ninja as their Director of Growth, and was just recently invited to become the Scientist-in-Residence at TEC Edmonton where he supports the development of world-changing ideas and the creation of world-leading anchors for Edmonton’s innovation community. As part of the latter, Zachary was the organizing force behind the very event where we are recording today, Startup TNT. Seeing an opportunity to bring people together and to grow the community even more, Zachary took the initiative – as he often does - to make something 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:
Live From Polar Park...it’s Startup TNT! Zack Storms shares his unique path through scientist, Director of Growth for a fitness startup, and community-builder extraordinaire!
Show Quotes:
"I just tried to build something that I wanted to see in the world, and I invited others to share it with me"
"We as entrepreneurs need to be the ecosystem... we need to do the things that we say we want to see"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Levven Electronics and Alberta Enterprise Corporation
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
Christopher Drobot Hosts Anthea Sargeaunt on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
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. Having worked and lived across Western Canada, Christopher has recently made a shift out of an 18 year career (with one company) in food retail management to now exploring Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem. His experience launching a store in a new market helped him realize his excitement around bring ideas into reality, and the power of a supportive network in making that happen. His time at Rainforest has been eye-opening in just how much is happening in the community to make things happen.
Christopher is currently involved in the Aquatic Biosphere Project, working on funds development for the push to bring a world-class aquarium to the city of Edmonton; is working towards building a Machine Learning model with retail applications; and is completing the final courses towards his MBA. He is a husband, and a father of two homeschooled children. He sees parallels between the entrepreneurial path and homeschooling and is teaching his children how to unleash their inner entrepreneur as well.
Anthea Sargeaunt is a driven entrepreneur who constantly strives to learn and improve. She has alternated between entrepreneurialism and more traditional employment in industries such as accounting, insurance, and engineering. She holds a Bachelor of Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Alberta, and an MBA through Athabasca University. Her current venture, 2S Water, is focused on developing and implementing high-quality water sensor systems with easy to understand user-interfaces, to make water quality accessible to everyone.
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.
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Levven Electronics and Alberta Enterprise Corporation
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
Allan Marston Hosts Neeraj Gupta on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
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 Allan Marston. Allan is a Father, Husband and innovator. Mr. Marston is a successful corporate executive heading up departments in Business Development, Sales, Marketing and Human Resources. As a serial entrepreneur Allan has over 18 years’ experience in the technology startup space and was the CEO of his own Silicon Valley company. Previously Allan spent 25 years in the retail business and was with a company when it created Canada's first loyalty reward card program. He has had several start-ups and successful exits and is currently the founder of Zenoshi.io where he is building a universal rewards program on the blockchain.
Neeraj Gupta is an active angel investor, mentor and serial entrepreneur in Deeptech domain. Neeraj is an expert on Entrepreneurship, Angel Investment, Startup Ecosystem Building, Patent Consulting and Innovation Management. He advises several provincial and federal governments on cross-border trade, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He is Founder and Managing Director at Lawcubator, Founder & CEO at FormulateIP, Cofounder at Chapter.AI, co-founder of PanIIT Mentors,
Neeraj holds Bachelors of Technology degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Metallurgical and Material Sciences and Masters of Science Degree from Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden in Scientific Computing and Mathematics. Neeraj is PGPX in General Management from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Neeraj is author of the book "Creating & safeguarding a strong Intellectual Property Portfolio" which was written in collaboration with SIDBI, Adelphi and KFW Bank Germany.
Quote(s):
"Canada is in the top 10 for both entrepreneurship and innovation."
Summary:
Discussion on patents and saving money using provisional patents. Also some insight into when and how startups should engage with angel investors.
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.
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Workhaus Core
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
Al Del Degan Hosts Jim Gibson on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
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.
Jim Gibson is an Entrepreneur, Innovation Strategist, and author. Jim is passionate, experienced, and an infinitely curious entrepreneur, Jim shares his cautionary tale of innovation and disruption in a human world in his book: Tip of the Spear, the product of his life’s work - spanning over 30 years at the forefront of technology and change.
Jim has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, a B.Comm from the University of Toronto, and holds his Certified Management Consulting Designation. Jim lives in Calgary, Canada with his family, and travels the world sharing his experience, business acumen, and startup wisdom.
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:
This episode is loaded with content from a summary of Jim Gibson’s life history through to the origin story of Rainforest Alberta through to why Jim Wrote his first book “Tip of the Spear” and a look at the future of technology and digital disruption.
Quotes:
"I will never forget, being in Shanghai doing simultaneous translation of Mandarin and English announcing our new product and I just had this out-of-body experience thinking... what the heck am I doing here?"
"What we have to be much better at, and exponential at, is the innovation of ways"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Workhaus Core
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
Lori Farley Hosts Carol Sun on the LIBI Podcast
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
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 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.
Carol Sun epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work and creative service in every detail in the networking and communication realm. As a graduate in communication from Royal Roads University, Carol finds her self tapping into her skills in helping businesses in the Calgary area grow and become success stories within their industries. As a connector, an executor, and a communication specialist, she is responsible for implementing and streamlining business marketing, funding and operations strategies. She also helps clients increase brand awareness, generate leads, and acquire new customers. When Carol isn’t working, she takes her passion even further by working with new entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas, organize their operations, connecting them with a solid foundational network and mentoring them to be successful! She provides sweat equity to small tech start-ups, which speaks loudly to her love for her community. Carol is most known for her great motivational and inspirational support.
*Assets – Business Development, Strategic Management, Operation Management, Human Resources, Project Management, Marketing and Design and a passion for 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.
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: Capturing Legacies Inc.
Graphic Design: Mackenzie Bedford
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan