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Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast showcases those who are contributing to and / or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta. Rainforest Alberta is a world-class community of dreamers and doers, connected by a common goal of making Alberta fertile ground for building, developing, and growing innovative ideas into sustainable ventures. https://rainforestab.ca
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
When it come to inspirational young adults, you may find that Aryan Panchal is near the top of the list. Incredibly ambitions, hard-working and dedicated, Aryan has made himself comfortable with being uncomfortable and isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to become a better and more successful person.
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: Aryan Panchal is an international student enrolled in the University of Calgary, majoring in Finance. Having completed two years of university, he took a break for 16 months last May, during which he engaged in four 4-month internships. Aryan is set to return to university in the fall.
Upon arriving in Canada two years ago, Aryan lacked work experience, communication skills, and battled self-doubt. However, over time, he built a network in Calgary, worked with various startups, and volunteered to support small businesses. Aryan believes in the value of hard work to achieve ambitious goals and wishes to share his personal journey of overcoming mental barriers. His story includes engaging in unconventional experiments, such as sleeping 30 minutes to 1 hour a day for an entire month, working 22 to 23 hours a day, and maintaining a seven-day workweek without breaks since July of the previous year. Aryan also took on five jobs simultaneously while attempting to build a startup. Through sharing his experiences, he aims to convey how these challenges led him on a journey toward becoming the best version of himself.
Show Links:
Show Quotes:
"You need 100 users that love you, not 1000 users that don't care."
"I feel like the mountains were calling me"
"been alone since I was 16 when I moved to India by myself"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Key Takeaways: 👨🎓
- Many people think that hackathons require cybersecurity knowledge but they don't, they are focused on problem solving like making public transit more accessible in downtown
- There is beauty in the way that feedback is structured, in the school system we don't get a lot of experience on the iterative process and developing an MVP or using an Agile approach
- Hacking gives you a chance to develop an idea before you try to build it, it is important to look back retrospectively, what worked and didn't work,
- Always give feedback that is actionable so there is better user experience
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: Gurmol Sohi is a data Analyst, innovator, researcher who is part of the tech and startup ecosystem and can be found at Platform Calgary and Pixels and Pints events! He is passionate about fintech, cleantech, and the just transition that is happening in Alberta! He can be found writing on his blog in medium and representing CITI as a brand ambassador at tech events!
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:
- Kumon
- SAIT Podcast: The best careers you never knew existed
- Major League Hacking (MLH)
- Calgary Hacks
- Code The Change YYC
- Tech Start UCalgary
- Data Science & Machine Learning Club
- nPower Canada
- Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (amii)
- BrainToy
- New Idea Machine
- Neo Financial
Show Quotes:
"Hackathon does not pertain to hacking in the digital sense, it speaks more to life hacking because it creates an environment of rapid ideation and creativity."
"If the leaders are not looking into industry, they are not seeing how tech is growing. There's a gap there, and students are left to fill that gap."
"The C-Suite execs are always kinda looking towards the future and they are being visionaries. But if we can somehow do that at a student level, wouldn't that be cool."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
In this episode we talk with Julie Hawco the founder of the STEM Moms Project, join us as we explore how to increase the retention of mid-career STEM women.
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: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: Julie Hawco, P.Eng - Founder, STEM Moms Project, has spent the past 15 years working in Canada’s Energy sector as an engineer focused on Oil Sands technology and innovation. Through this experience she noted the contrast in the challenges faced by her female vs male peers once they became parents. Julie founded the STEM Moms Project to understand the unique challenges and nuances of being a Mother and STEM professional utilizing a focus group approach; and identifying recommendations towards improving the retention of mid-career STEM women. Julie is a mom of two and dedicated volunteer within Alberta’s energy ecosystem.
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:
"For some people, they might be feeling really ill, and maybe they are struggling to show up every day, and they're worried about what the repercussion of that."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
A video platform that puts you and your videos first.
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: Daniela Bozinovski is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in digital marketing, e-commerce consulting, and account management. Currently serving as an Account Manager at The Public Place Network, Daniela focuses on helping small to medium-sized businesses thrive in the digital realm by effectively monetizing their video content.
Before joining The Public Place Network in 2023, Daniela held the role of Account Manager at ext. marketing, where she assisted clients in the banking and financial services sector in realizing their marketing goals. Her responsibilities included managing projects from start to finish and ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved.
Daniela's career journey includes a notable period at Zone·tv™ as a Sales Coordinator, where she implemented innovative marketing strategies to drive business growth and increase brand awareness. This role allowed her to gain hands-on experience in CRM management, sales strategy formulation, and content creation.
Prior to that, Daniela spent eight years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., developing skills in business development and risk analysis. As a Business Development Specialist, she played a key role in driving revenue and nurturing business relationships. Her earlier role as a Risk Analyst taught her the intricacies of managing financial risk and fraud, honing her analytical skills.
Her professional path began with foundational roles in merchant onboarding and administration, where Daniela cultivated organizational and problem-solving skills.
Throughout her career, Daniela's greatest satisfaction has come from assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. At the core of her work, whether in digital marketing, e-commerce, or account management, is a deep-seated passion for guiding clients through the complexities of the digital landscape. She finds immense fulfillment in seeing the businesses she partners with grow and succeed. This focus on client success is what drives Daniela and fuels her continued pursuit of excellence in her field.
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:
"You deserve a video platform that puts you and your videos first. A platform that helps real people make real money with video."
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Join Peter Beaudoin as he talks with David Howard, the founder of the Homes for Heroes Foundation and their work to address veteran homelessness.
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: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.
Guest: David Howard is a founder and former CEO and President of Homes Heroes Foundation. In David’s new role he is spearheading the charities growth. David works with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal stakeholders to secure new sites for Veterans Villages across Canada. Homes For Heroes aims to help those who were willing to give their all to protect us and maintain our freedoms and get them back to a place where they feel supported & engaged. With the goal to end the issue of Veteran Homelessness, it is important that Homes For Heroes has Veterans Villages across Canada. David has been working within the Canadian Veteran community for the last 20 years and is committed to helping those that have served Canada. David has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his service to our Veterans and Canada.
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:
"How do you put that on paper and apply to a job? I drove a tank in the military, what does that give me within civilian life?"
"My experience throughout working across Canada is that Canadians care deeply"
Credits...
This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine
Episode Music: Tony Del Degan
Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
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:
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
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
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:
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
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
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:
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
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
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
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
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:
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