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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
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this informational episode of the LIBI Podcast, host Al chats with Kevin Evans, a dynamic leader in the field of cloud technology. Kevin, a Microsoft cloud technologist and founder of "Cloud to Code," shares his journey, beginning with his move from the UK to Canada, driven by a passion for technology and community building. Through detailed discussion, Kevin explains the importance and impact of cloud-native technologies, shedding light on the colossal potential and challenges of using AI in tech development. As a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Ambassador, Kevin emphasizes the value of giving back to the tech community by freely sharing knowledge, strengthening, and enabling tech professionals around the world.
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: Kevin Evans is a Cloud-Native Leader and Microsoft Cloud Technologist at Microsoft. He is also the founder of Code To Cloud and serves as a CNCF Ambassador. Kevin is passionate about cloud technologies and open-source innovation, and he actively engages with the technical community through events like Microsoft’s Tech Connect. Based in Alberta, Canada, Kevin continues to contribute to cloud-native advancements and foster community.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"Start small and build big... That's the analogy I adopt in absolutely everything."
"I set myself on a mission to give away my knowledge for free as much as possible, which scares a lot of people, but it's about reducing the barriers to innovation."
"Work smarter, not harder... at the end of the day, someone is paying the bill, and it's about getting product out of the door efficiently."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Learn how this small-town farmer's son is leveraging Alberta's rich natural resources and energy sector expertise to pioneer green solutions in packaging, textiles, and environmental applications. The episode explores how Plantae Technologies collaborates with universities and research institutions to scale their innovative ideas, while highlighting the critical intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
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: Trevor Kloeck is the President of Plantae Technologies Inc. He's known as a leader, entrepreneur, and innovator in the agriculture and environmental services fields. With a successful background in manufacturing, product development, and getting products to market, Trevor aims to make the world greener and more sustainable, one product at a time.
Trevor leads Plantae Technologies, which used to be Hemp Fibre Production Corporation (HFPC) in Edmonton. The company now uses its unique technology with a wide range of plant fibers and food waste—not just hemp—to create natural solutions for environmental problems like erosion and plastic waste. They focus on international markets in reclamation, sustainable packaging, and advanced materials.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"We have to really kind of face the music now and take this as our moment to make that transition"
"Innovation only happens when you're on the fringes, and that has consequences"
"We are in a unique spot to attract more talent and achieve brain gain, but it's predicated on boldness"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this enlightening episode of the podcast hosted by Al Del Degan, Gordon Sheppard, founder of Executive Wins, shares his extensive experience in helping executives achieve significant wins in business. With a focus on leadership, strategic planning, and organizational optimization, Gordon illustrates how he empowers leaders to identify and address key issues within their organizations. This episode dives deep into the Executive Planning System—a comprehensive framework developed by Gordon, which focuses on strategy, work plans, people, operations, and results. He shares inspiring stories of transformation, including a particularly satisfying project with a drilling industry client, illustrating the impact of effective leadership and strategic alignment. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies that can transform your business endeavors.
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: Gordon Sheppard is dedicated to helping Executives win.
He is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator and Business Advisor who has worked with senior leaders from across sectors including Oil and Gas, Industrial Service Businesses, Government, Non-Profits, Associations and more.
His approach is straight-forward and inspiring.
He often says ‘I’m not in the family’ when he works with leaders. This means that he will say what needs to be said so that leaders can move forward faster.
With a style that has been described as ‘assertively kind’, Gord brings a structured approach to every engagement.
That is why he built the Executive Planning System – a proven 5-step approach that helps senior leaders achieve their organizational goals.
He is also the best-selling author of the ‘Meeting Leadership Solution’, a 10 step system to help you improve your business meetings today!
With more than 25 years of business experience, an MBA, and Prosci Change Management Certification, Gord is dedicated to helping leaders get what they need to succeed.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"My goal is to empower leaders so they can empower themselves and really optimize their entire organization."
"I help executives get more wins in business... it represents the pinnacle of my 13 years of consulting work."
"If we can get the 'who does what' part figured out, then it depends on where the work is needed at that point."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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