Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

Hear Daniel Monzon's wisdom on how important networking is, especially for newcomers and immigrants, and how he partnered with Calgary businesses to create an organization to help underrepresented people launch new businesses.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Paignton Wild is a recent graduate from the Software Development program at SAIT. He has a strong passion for software development, web design, and all things tech. Throughout the years, Paignton has extensively studied C++, Java, HTML, CSS, React, JavaScript, MERN, and SQL. In addition to his technical skills, he has also ventured into content creation and is currently learning Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve to produce captivating images and videos for his social media platforms.

With his diploma in hand, Paignton is now actively seeking a software development team to join. His favorite aspect of programming is collaborating with others to solve problems and create applications that have a positive impact on people's lives. When he's not engrossed in coding, Paignton enjoys spending time rock climbing, biking, and cooking. Engaging in conversations about science and philosophy is something he finds particularly enjoyable.

Guest: Daniel Monzon started Creative//Social, an Information Management Company in 2015, which grew into a Management Consulting Firm that helps people and organizations bring their ideas to life. He works with people and systems to manage customer service relations and business operations, building capacity and creating value.

Over the past 10 years, Daniel has had the experience of working with different industries, including construction, technology, supply chain, finance, energy, non-for-profit, and all three levels of government: Federal, Provincial, and Municipal.

In 2022, he partnered up with other local Calgary businesses to create CATAPULT STARTUPS, a not-for-profit organization that helps underrepresented people (Including but not limited to, immigrants/newcomers, refugees, people with disabilities, black Canadians, and other minority groups) launch SMEs or Start-Ups. Their mission is to help underrepresented people launch 200 SMEs or Start-Ups in the Alberta ecosystem by 2032, creating 5,000 jobs and generating $3B in direct GDP.

Daniel enjoys volunteering, Liverpool FC, Toronto FC, Cavalry FC, Soccer Canada, and Peru FPF.

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:

• Catapult Startups
• Calgary Innovation Coalition
• Alberta Innovates
• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society
• Calgary Immigrant Womens Association
• Centre For Newcomers
• Momentum
• Immigrant Education Society 

Show Quotes:

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Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

More and more people are realizing that a fulfilling life is not based on how much stuff you accumulate, but the number of remarkable experiences you have. Join Al Del Degan as he speaks with Rainforest elder, Gary Ellis about how the experience economy is a multi-billion dollar industry and Calgary needs to lead the way.

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: Gary Ellis is a serial entrepreneur riding his 4th wave. A corporate dude phase, a resort designer phase, a branding architect phase and now all about emerging technology and making ‘places of remarkable experiences’

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• Experience Economy Innovation Hub
• Electronic Arts
• Bioware
• Platform Calgary
• InceptionU
• Experience Economy Book
• Active City Collective 

Show Quotes:

"I'm not sure where the term lunch without lunch came from but we actually did come with lunch, we brought our own lunches back in those days."
"I think Rainforest was a great impitus to getting our local ecosystem together and staying together and really proliferating."
"We are social animals, we all want to be part of this vibe."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

We are working hard to engage the innovation ecosystem to think, talk, and act differently when it comes to entrepreneurial mental health

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: Sara Mateshaytis is a registered social worker who cares deeply about how we’re all actually doing. Before diving into entrepreneurship and becoming a co-founder, she worked in a variety of mental health settings–from a school to a hospital to a few community-based counselling practices–working with children, youth, individuals, families, couples, and everyone in between. She cares a lot about relationships and showing up genuinely in her work, and is working hard to shift the narrative around entrepreneur mental health. 

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:

• Collectively Tangled
• Peer Guidance
• Unbounded Thinking 

Show Quotes:

"Entrepreneurs experience mental health concerns at a greater rate than the general population."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Shared a conversation with Caley on the joys and challenges of growing up as a gay man in the world of Hockey and Medicine. We discussed his educational journey and some of the key moments in his life that led him to starting Purpose Med. 

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Paignton Wild is a recent graduate from the Software Development program at SAIT. He has a strong passion for software development, web design, and all things tech. Throughout the years, Paignton has extensively studied C++, Java, HTML, CSS, React, JavaScript, MERN, and SQL. In addition to his technical skills, he has also ventured into content creation and is currently learning Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve to produce captivating images and videos for his social media platforms.

With his diploma in hand, Paignton is now actively seeking a software development team to join. His favorite aspect of programming is collaborating with others to solve problems and create applications that have a positive impact on people's lives. When he's not engrossed in coding, Paignton enjoys spending time rock climbing, biking, and cooking. Engaging in conversations about science and philosophy is something he finds particularly enjoyable.

Guest: Dr. Caley Shukalek has a passion for innovation and technology that he integrates into his daily life as a physician, an administrator, a researcher, and a citizen. He truly believes that the world is in a constant state of change and that we need to be stewards of that change to shape it in the best possible fashion. Dr. Shukalek is a big believer in collaboration to ensure that we support and strengthen each other as we inevitably get some things right and some things wrong, though hopefully it's more of the former and less of the latter. 

Dr. Shukalek has been blessed with many amazing mentors and opportunities in his career thus far; however, he knows he has so much more to learn from those around him and, hopefully, just as much to teach in reciprocation.

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:

• PurposeMed 
• Freddie - HIV Prevention 
• Frieda - Women's Mental Health 
• Foria - Gender Care 

Show Quotes:

""

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Woman have only been able to have their own back accounts since the late 1960's. Even since then, women and other marginalized communities have had difficulty in the male-focused banking industry. Alexandra aims to change that by educating women and others about how to manage their money and take control of their financial well-being.

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: Alexandra Stante is an individual who firmly believes that people and purpose lie at the core of every organization. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to employing a human-centered philosophy in order to enhance the interactions between individuals, technology, and physical spaces, ultimately delivering impactful experiences. Alexandra's expertise lies in assisting businesses in improving performance and fostering growth by continuously seeking out innovative and enhanced approaches.

As a strategic leader and creative problem solver, Alexandra consistently challenges conventional thinking, providing guidance on strategies, and actively collaborating to co-create captivating new concepts. With a distinct vision and a profound sense of humanity, she navigates uncharted territories to deliver tangible results and make a significant impact.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• Rebelle Money 
• Bank Like A Woman 

Show Quotes:

"We surveyed women across Canada to discover their unique concerns, pain points, and wild successes with regards to their financial experience. By focusing on women’s lived experiences, we knew we could get to the heart of the issues women face, and reimagine financial services that are not only better for women, but for everyone."
"It is only when ideas are translated into reality and reach the people they are intended to help that they actually start to change lives"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Meet Katerina, a single mom who has had an incredible journey and overcame real hardship with hard work and tenacity to build a better life for her son. Now on an entrepreneurial journey with a much-needed software platform to connect farmers with their customers in a new way. 

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: Katerina Strelina is a co-founder of "Local Eats," an online platform connecting farmers and food vendors directly to local customers across Canada. With over 5 years of experience in Alberta's agriculture industry, she is passionate about supporting local businesses and local food systems. Katerina also brings over 15 years of expertise in customer service and sales spanning various B2B and B2C markets. Her background in journalism enables her to effectively communicate and build partnerships to ensure satisfaction for all parties involved. In her leisure time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading, and taking road trips. She is also a dedicated volunteer at 4:13 Therapeutic Riding Association, providing therapeutic horseback riding to the children with special needs.

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:

• Local Eats
• Everblue Nursery 

Show Quotes:

"I came there to make money. I didn't come there to build a career, make friends, have fun. I new I needed money, I had no choice."
"Like a circus with one artist, you do everything."
"From fashion like red carpet sometimes with the high heels, the day after I was in my rubber boots in my military pants and I was walking through the mud."
"We only die once, we live every day"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

I have been hanging out virtually with Brent Zuber for several months and I am always impressed with how well researched and intellectual he is. Join us for an in-depth conversation on virtual reality in business. 

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: Brent Zuber has had the great fortune to excel within many diverse positions, meet numerous outstanding individuals, and travel across a majority of the Earth's surface for work and pleasure. He adapts to new changes extremely well, and is a dedicated life long learner. Brent is always excited with the discovery of "WOW"!

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:

• Independent Insurance Broker 
• Lee Ackerman 
• Barry Pendergast 
• Ryan Hnetka 
• Pegasus Imagery 

Show Quotes:

"It isn't about replacing the hands-on touch of a museum. Just saying before you get there, what are the exhibits you want to see."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Join Jen with her guest Jesse Bartlett who provides a burst of hope and energy to help us take the first steps toward a community focused on a better future.

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 is InceptionU’s learner champion. She 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 during her time at High Tech High.

As the Learning Catalyst and Lead Program Designer with InceptionU, Jen provides valued leadership, guidance, meaningful connections and an engaging learning environment. She is deeply dedicated to each of the learners and their success. As Simon Sinek says in The Infinite Game, “what good is it having a belly if there's no fire in it? Wake up, drink your passion, light a match and get to work.” 

Guest: Jessie Bartlett was born in Vancouver 1980. Jesse has been in Calgary since 2001 and met his wife in 2002. They now we have 2 kids 5&9 years old. Jesse the proud owner or Canelo’s ice cream and Legacy boxing club as well as Draw Energy and Report My Rent.ca. 

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• The Virtual Gurus
• Canelo’s ice cream
• Legacy Boxing Club
• Draw Energy
• Report My Rent.ca

Show Quotes:

"Don't give up. It's not over until you give up."  

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Maiden provides a burst of hope and energy to help us take the first steps toward a community focused on a better future

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: Maiden Manzanal-Frank is Founder and Senior Consultant of GlobalStakes Consulting, Maiden is the author of Provocateur not Philanthropists: Turning Good Intentions into Global Impact.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Links:

• Maiden's Website 
• Global Stakes Consulting 

Show Quotes:

"The paradigm that encircles this framework makes purpose, passion, practice, and provision work together, to create impact.  Without a paradigm, your purpose, passion, provision, and practice are directionless."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

This is the sixth episode in a series hosted by Brigitte Legault, which features women role models in Alberta Tech. Women hold 60% of STEM degrees, however only hold 25% of ICT roles and 57% of women in mid-level tech roles are leaving their positions. 

Through this series we will explore what unique challenges they are facing, what inspires many to stay, and we will highlight their innovations, initiatives, and contributions to women's equity in our sector. 

In this episode we follow the journey of Katie Mclean, founder and CEO of Tuskhub Inc. Katie shares her fascinating career path and how we can all support working parents in their careers.

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: Brigitte Legault leads the Rainforest Alberta movement in Calgary as the Community Manager and also serves the startup community through strategy and growth consulting services. She is passionate about growing the tech sector upon a culture of trust, diversity, and collaboration and activates this work through strategic ecosystem initiatives, learning experiences, storytelling, and community engagement.

Guest: Katie McLean is the founder and CEO of Calgary based Growth Consultancy, TuskHub and the founder and Managing Director of the Angel Network, Women at the Cap Table (WATCT). Katie is a business visionary who sees possibilities in everything. She is a proven leader who not only knows how to build businesses, she knows how to build momentum too. Most comfortable leading organizations with innovative, ground-breaking and disruptive technologies, Katie has built high performing teams around North America by harnessing the power of good people and great ideas. Katie has an extensive network of enterprise relationships from her time working at holy grail brands like Google and working with founding teams of tech startups and scales ups. Her superpower is connecting the right people at the right time and working with purpose-built companies who want to attract the best customers, partners and employees. As a community catalyst Katie has raised over $1 million dollars for Cancer research in Alberta through a charity triathlon. She has served on the board of the Alberta Cancer Foundation for six years and on the advisory board for the Advisory Board member for Graduate Student Professional Development at the University of Alberta. She is a member of the Dean's Circle, Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary. On a personal note she has completed over twelve marathons and three Ironman triathlons and she is the proud mother of four beautiful children.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• TuskHub Inc.
• Women at the Cap Table (WATCT)

Show Quotes:

"Those companies aren't built for people with families, you know they really aren't, and so how do we create software companies in the future where it's balanced?  It's about sustainable growth. It's about creating work environments where you can pick up your kid and you can go and work after dinner if you want but that the volume of work isn't so crazy that you can't really have a life. How can we find this balance where we get the best of people over a longer period of time instead of having higher cases of burnout and things like that. That's what we are trying to provide."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan