E520 – Crystal Phillips, Growing Innovation Hubs in Calgary
“The three buzzwords [OCIF] uses is we find, fuel, and foster.”
Few individuals embody Calgary’s evolving innovation spirit quite like Crystal Phillips. In this thoughtful and engaging episode, Crystal—now Senior Director at OCIF—pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of one of Calgary’s most strategic investment vehicles. Through Tyler’s lens, we hear how OCIF isn’t just about funding—it’s about futureproofing the city’s economy, creating collisions across sectors, and placing people at the centre of progress. Crystal reflects on the nuance of saying “yes” to the right projects, the power of creative industries to tell complex stories, and why even in a well-capitalized role, vulnerability and curiosity still matter. Whether you're a founder, policymaker, student, or civic optimist, Crystal’s insights into economic development, sector hubs, and personal leadership growth offer valuable lessons about shaping a better Calgary—together.