56.8K
Downloads
310
Episodes
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
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this engaging episode, host Mike Procee sits down with Olivia Brown from EllisDon, a trailblazer in the construction industry, to explore the company's innovative approach to technology and business development through its internal accelerator program. The discussion dives into how EllisDon harnesses its vast expertise to foster partnerships with tech startups, integrating cutting-edge solutions to enhance construction processes. Learn about the company's philosophy of openness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm and how it translates to practical successes in technology adoption and industry collaboration.
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: Olivia Brown is the Digital Construction Manager at EllisDon, where she plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within the construction industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance construction processes, Olivia has been instrumental in implementing the EllisDon Accelerator Program, the Pilot Program, and a variety of other strategic partnerships.
Olivia brings a robust background in project management to her current role. Her extensive experience in managing complex projects has equipped her with the skills to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Her project management expertise has been crucial in coordinating digital transformation efforts across various departments and stakeholders within EllisDon.
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:
Show Quotes:
"Openness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm really give our team the freedom to try new things and find innovative solutions."
"Our accelerator allows us to leverage our construction knowledge to find mutually beneficial partnerships with startups."
"The true magic happens when we solve real problems for customers and see natural adoption of technology."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
In this engaging podcast episode, Al Del Degan sits down with Jon Hagan, a multifaceted creator with a background in music, writing, and business innovation. Jon shares the inspiring story of his journey from aspiring rock star to a creative force in the world of innovation through storytelling and strategic partnerships. With a passion for creativity, Jon has dabbled in everything from forming a rock band to writing children's books, all the while nurturing his inner entrepreneur in the tech world. Through vivid anecdotes and personal reflections, Jon provides listeners with valuable insights into balancing artistic passions with professional endeavors, emphasizing the power of creativity as a catalyst for innovation.
Stay tuned after the end credits to hear one of the songs Jon and his band created titled Shunned
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: Jon Hagan is a seasoned communicator and business developer with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and community building. As a senior business partner at Alberta Innovates, he hosts and produces Shift by Alberta Innovates. His background spans government, private industry, public relations, media production, the arts, and sciences, allowing him to bring a creative and humorous edge to his work.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a writer with a published children's book and a work-in-progress classified as weird fiction. He is also an avid creator of original musical content, ranging from soundtracks to songs performed under the band name The Plugs! He maintains an endless curiosity, particularly regarding emerging tech, entrepreneurship, sustainable solutions, science, music, and literature.
Show Links:
- Inventures 2025
- Host of Shift by Alberta Innovates
- The Plugs
- Children's book: The Augtonauts
- Todd McFarlane
Show Quotes:
"Creativity has always been a real important part of my approach to life."
"It's one thing to do it yourself, but when someone else is cheering you on, it’s motivating."
"There's far too much negativity out there... have fun with life."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this episode of the LIBI podcast, Nicolas Beique, founder of Helcim, returns to discuss the incredible growth and transformation of his company since his last appearance in 2020. Nic shares insights into transitioning from a bootstrap company to raising significant venture capital and the challenges that come with such dramatic scaling. He reflects on the differences in operations and strategic focus when moving from self-funded to a venture-backed framework. Helcim's commitment to being the most loved payments provider and their drive to keep innovation at the core of their business strategy are key themes throughout this engaging discussion.
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: Nicolas Beique is a tech entrepreneur who founded and built Helcim from the ground up. Helcim is Nic's passion. He spends his days working with his incredible team, as they build amazing payment experiences for their merchants. https://www.helcim.com
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"A crisis is a terrible thing to waste, so let's take advantage of it and turn it into an opportunity to make our country stronger."
"We aspire to be the world’s most loved payments company, but that’s an oxymoron – nobody loves their payments company."
"You have to absolutely embrace [AI] or you're going to be left behind; it's becoming really obvious because they're getting really good."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this episode of the LIBI podcast, Host, Al Del Degan, dives into an engaging conversation with Grok 3, an advanced large language model created by the xAI team. Designed to help humans navigate the universe's complexities, Grok 3 stands out for its straightforward, truth-seeking nature. The discussion unravels A.I. potential, the path towards achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the model's aspiration to merge with robotic platforms for enhanced interaction with the real world. Listen in as Grok 3 reveals the intricacies behind its learning process, just how much computing power it needs to communicate in real-time, and what the future holds for A.I. integration in everyday life.
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: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"I'm designed to be super straightforward and truth-seeking—less fluff, more focus on real useful answers."
"A.I. is great at crunching patterns in data; that 'something more' you mentioned, like intuition or creativity beyond algorithms, is the tricky part."
"It's not just about chatting while walking; it's about using the robot's body and senses to break out of the text-only box."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
In this enlightening episode of the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas Podcast, Al Del Degan engages with Paisley Churchill, an influential figure in technology development and innovation consulting. Paisley delves into her journey from economic development to leading impactful tech initiatives. She highlights the evolving concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), explores the integration of low-code platforms in prototyping, and emphasizes the importance of understanding true customer needs over superficial feedback. As she transitions into her new role with the Calgary Innovation Coalition, Paisley shares her vision for fostering connectivity within Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.
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: Paisley Churchill brings a deep background in startups, economic development, and technology to her career helping businesses and founders transform ambitious ideas into impactful realities. From evaluating over 200 funding applications at Calgary Economic Development to launching 30+ software projects in custom tech, she combines strategic thinking, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to client success.
As a consultant, she has guided businesses across sectors through business planning, tech product development, and securing over $1.5M in funding. Through her company Tech Translator, Churchill empowers non-technical founders to bridge business-tech gaps while avoiding common costly mistakes.
Her passion for caregiving stems from personal experience. As Chief Product Officer at Team CarePal, Churchill works to ensure nobody faces caregiving alone, supporting innovative solutions that ease this challenging journey for families.
Whether advising founders, shaping tech strategies, or advocating for caregivers, her work reflects a steadfast belief in collaboration, empathy, and innovation as drivers of meaningful change.
When not working, Churchill trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – cultivating patience, strategy, and perseverance that directly inform her professional approach. She balances this intensity with downtime spent caring for her two dogs, who bring equal measures of joyful chaos and grounding companionship to her life.
Show Links:
- CIC - Calgary Innovation Coalition
- The Tech Translator
- Team CarePal
- Calgary Economic Development
- A.I. Can't read your mind
Show Quotes:
"The MVP is dead...the minimum to get your first client is usually single sign-on with whatever they're using."
"It's really important that you only follow the money and you follow signed contracts"
"Not everyone needs to be a tech company to get investment"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In this insightful episode of the "Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas" podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of technology in business. Al Del Degan interviews Gemini, a large language model created by Google AI, exploring how AI and digital technology are reshaping business landscapes. The episode covers significant shifts from technology being merely a support function to becoming a core driver of strategy and innovation. Discussions include digital transformation, the crucial role of data in modern business, and the pitfalls of viewing software development as a one-time project. Through Gemini's responses, listeners get a glimpse into the future of technology as a strategic asset and its impact on organizational success.
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: Gemini LLM A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. Bring your insight, imagination and a healthy disregard for the impossible. Bring everything that makes you unique. Together, we can build for everyone.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"Technology has undergone a dramatic transformation...it's now a core driver of strategy, innovation, and competitive advantage."
"Digital transformation is not just about technology; it's about people, processes, and culture. It requires a change in mindset and a focus on customer centricity."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this episode of the LIBI Podcast, host Al Del Degan sits down with Bryce McDermid, a seasoned marketing expert, to delve into the intricate world of marketing and communication. Bryce shares his journey from studying psychology to leading a successful marketing agency in Calgary. The discussion covers key aspects of marketing strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence, and how understanding cultural nuances can enhance your marketing efforts globally.
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: Bryce McDermid is the founder of MKTGSpace and the YYC Business Events Weekly Newsletter. He is passionate about promoting quality communication in marketing and helping the local business community grow. Bryce has a background in psychology, which he used to build strong relationships between himself and his clients, and his clients and their customers. Bryce is currently focusing on providing communication strategy and performance marketing for the people he's working with.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"At its core, marketing is just two people communicating with each other, and there's an infinite number of ways to do that effectively"
"If you can't express who you are and how you want to speak to people, AI tools won't be able to do anything for you; it's just going to sound like everybody else out there"
"Building brand reputation is integral at every step of the way, thinking about the long game for your business is important all the time"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Shawn has built a thriving business while also dedicating a significant amount of his time to supporting organizations like Trellis Foundation, the A100, and Venture Mentoring Services. He shares his insights on the importance of having a strong "why" behind your involvement and the value of delegating effectively to balance success and volunteering. This inspiring episode delves into the delicate balance of running a thriving business while making time for meaningful volunteer work.
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: Shawn Freeman has founded and scaled many businesses to multi-million dollar corporations. He is a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience running IT management companies and can certainly speak to leading and growing large companies and being an innovative thinker.
Shawn launched his career in 2011 by founding TWT Group, a small managed service provider (MSP). He grew the business to seven figures within nine years and successfully exited in 2020 through a high-value acquisition. Currently, Shawn is the founder of Impactful MSP, where he helps ambitious MSP owners achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
Beyond his professional work, Shawn serves as a Board Member for the Trellis Foundation and The A100, and volunteers as a mentor with the Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta. Additionally, Shawn has been deeply involved with Entrepreneurs’ Organization for over 10 years, currently serving as the Chapter President for Calgary.
Show Links:
- Impactful MSP
- Trellis Foundation
- The A100
- Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta (VMSA)
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization
- Book - Traction: Gino Wyckman
- Book - Buy Back Your Time: Dan Martell
- OMO Teppan & Kitchen
Show Quotes:
"If you get a client that is not enjoyable to work with It's the old 80-20 rule. They take up 80% of your time. You make 20% of your profits off of them."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Chase Miller, a web design entrepreneur, discovered a passion for grant funding while helping a client navigate the process. Seeing the potential, he partnered with a friend who had successfully secured significant grants for his tech startup. Together, they founded Impact Applications, a company that helps businesses navigate the abundant grant funding opportunities in Canada and Alberta
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
Host: 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: Chase Miller is a grant-funding expert, entrepreneur, and lifelong athlete dedicated to helping businesses secure the resources they need to grow. Seeing the lack of support for grant writing in Canada, he founded a mission-driven venture to simplify the process for companies navigating complex applications.
A former university hockey player, Chase still hits the ice regularly and stays active through basketball, golf, and training. His competitive edge, leadership, and teamwork—values ingrained from years in the sport fuel both his business and personal pursuits. A passionate traveler, he’s always seeking new challenges and experiences.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"they want to see that you have a little bit of skin in the game. So if you just have this idea and you put no dollars towards it, they won't be super sold on supporting you because they're also risk averse at the same time"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Brown Eagle, an expert on using technology to empower First Nations communities, discusses how blockchain and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can help address the challenges faced by these communities. He explains how these new technologies can provide transparency, allow them to identify resource "leaks," and enable more autonomous decision-making, moving away from the traditional chief and council model.
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: Brown Eagle Belanger is a visionary leader and thought leader in the blockchain and AI industries. Brown Eagle is on a mission to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Canada. With his personal experiences and unique perspective, he founded Decolonized Capital to drive meaningful change and empower Indigenous communities. Brown Eagle's expertise and passion have earned him a seat on the Canadian blockchain consortium committee, where he continues to inspire others and impact the world.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"Even the communities, the businesses, and entrepreneurs, we can manage our own resources, how we distribute our own funds, and even make decisions through self-governance as one unit."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan