Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

Oleks and Mike discuss the role of academic institution as it relates to Corporate Innovation. They explore questions such as: What is the missing ingredient for corporate innovation? What is the role of academics in corporate innovation? and what can we do today to start innovating?

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

The LIBI podcast BIPOC series celebrates BIPOC founders in the YYC Tech Ecosystem. This episode features Musap "Moose" Abdel. Moose shares first about his personal and professional struggles that led to his success as a youth advocate, entrepreneur, then founder and director of a youth program by the name "Struggle is Your Success".  When you're deeply connected to a cause and understand you why, you're able to endure any number of challenges, which is one of my takeaways after speaking to Moose, who's very dedicated to making a difference in the lives of BIPOC, underserved and high-risk youth. Not only is he the director of the Non-profit, but he's also an A.I. enthusiast and entrepreneur in the space. In the last 10 minutes, we talked about chat GPT and prompt engineering.

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

Mike and Alex explore key questions around the innovation mindset and framework. What is required of leadership, how to properly test your ideas, and most importantly how to inject the "Dual Mindset" into your organization!

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

When you look at the intersection between art, technology, and business, with an Afro-Indigenous perspective, you usually find out that Art Proctor is there somewhere. In this episode we talk to the man who never says no to a great idea, and is always there when you need him.

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

Data is powerful for everyone when utilized and communicated

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

Phil Crocker's brain moves so fast, not even he can keep up with it. In this episode we hear how Phil's career path was all over the place until he realized that he could see the connection between business and technology in a way that others rarely did. Now he is on a path to help guide businesses in making smart technology decisions that actually save them money, and become more efficient. 

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

Mike Procee interviews Esther Gons, the CEO and Co-founder of Ground Control and also author of "Innovation Accounting", which explores how one can account for their innovation program.

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

Jeff Krehmer is a mechanical engineer who, after a significant health scare, decided to get all the ideas in his head into a book. Hear how he innovates on a 100 year old concept to suggest solutions to many of the worlds most significant issues.

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

The LIBI podcast BIPOC series celebrates BIPOC founders in the YYC Tech Ecosystem. This episode features Ranique McLaughlin - A social entrepreneur, creative and Founder of Hidden Gemz. We discuss what inspired Ranique to pursue her school project as a solo entrepreneur and turn it into Hidden Gemz. Ranique walks us through her journey as a solo founder, at such a young age, and with the knowledge that, as a Black Woman, she's not likely to get the same opportunities. You'll get to hear about the challenges that have made Ranique into the resilient founder that she is and Ranique was kind enough to share with us a few hiring grants that are available to small business owners.

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

Join me and my old friend from junior high school, Michael Dargie for a fun discussion on creativity and innovation, talking about things as diverse as the TRS-80 Color Computer from back in the 80's through to Improv at Loose Moose Theatre, and playing with Nerf dart guns in Virtual Reality. 

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