E479 – Current & Critical – Dennis Plintz, Discover Calgary's Booming Real Estate Market and Investment Opportunities
In this episode, get the low-down on Calgary’s fluctuating real estate market with third-generation Calgarian and seasoned real estate expert Dennis Plintz. He explores the different facets of Calgary's booming real estate scene through invaluable insights, like how strategic infrastructure developments, including ring roads and hospitals from 2010 to 2015, have significantly sustained the city, even during economic downturns. We dive into the compelling reasons millennials are returning to Calgary after studying abroad, driven by the city's affordability and enhanced quality of life compared to pricier urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto.
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E478 – Current & Critical – Zoe Harrison, Rethinking Board Roles: How to Embrace Diversity, Technology and Strategy
In this episode, Zoe Harrison, a seasoned expert in strategy and innovation, shares her insights from nearly 20 years of experience in applied AI strategy, innovation labs, and board governance. Zoe breaks down the often misunderstood world of board governance, explaining how the right mix of skills, perspectives, and experiences can fuel innovation and steer organizations toward success. She unpacks the importance of cultivating diversity on boards—not just demographically, but in thought and expertise—to challenge groupthink and unlock untapped potential. Zoe also highlights the unique dynamics of nonprofit and startup boards, where lines between strategic oversight and operational involvement often blur, creating challenges and opportunities for impactful governance. Whether you’re a first-time board member or a seasoned leader, this episode offers invaluable lessons on aligning values, managing responsibilities, and shaping a resilient future.
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E477 – Current & Critical – Tatiana de Abreu, How to Build a Beverage Brand: The Story Behind Sunday Funday and the Mimosa Revolution
In this episode, hear from Tatiana de Abreu, the pioneering founder behind Sunday Funday Beverages, Canada's first premium, female-founded canned mimosa. Tatiana takes us through her incredible journey, beginning with an idea that struck her back in August 2020—a realization that Canada's market was missing out on the convenience and delight of canned mimosas. Fast forward to today, and she's on a mission to build a "Mimosa Empire," envisioning Sunday Funday as a household name akin to White Claw's popularity in Canada, with ambitious plans to break into the U.S. market. Tatiana candidly reflects on overcoming impostor syndrome, leveraging her tech and sales background and the incredible support from friends forming the "Sunday army." You'll hear about her scrappy yet effective marketing strategies, including grassroots efforts and leveraging personal networks, which have been crucial in expanding her brand despite stiff competition and financial constraints.
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E476 – Current & Critical – Sid Tetz, Behind the Walls: How Innovation in Construction Materials Shapes How We Build and Live
In this episode, get an insider’s look at the world of construction materials and housing with Sid Tetz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CGC Inc. Sid explores the unseen factors that make a house a home, from acoustic design to structural systems. He tackles pressing issues like the housing crisis, labour and material costs, and the complex web of building codes and financial constraints that shape Canada's real estate market. Sid shares his insights on innovation in construction, the profound impact of energy efficiency, and the shifting dynamics of modern housing.
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E475 – Current & Critical – Cordell Jacks, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Search Funds, Regenerative Business Models and the Silver Tsunami
In this episode, discover the urgent need to nurture a regenerative economy with CEO and General Partner of Regenerative Capital Group, Cordell Jacks. By combining inclusive economic practices with regenerative principles, Cordell explains how Search Funds—a proven model for acquiring and scaling small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—can address the looming succession crisis among baby boomer business owners. This approach values sustainable practices, diverse leadership, and greater stakeholder engagement while preserving thriving businesses for future generations. Learn how employee share ownership and increased support for marginalized groups can foster a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.
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E474 – Current & Critical – Craig Senyk, Cultivating Community and Culture to Reach $90BN AUM
In this episode, explore the world of investment management with Craig Senyk, Board Chair at Mawer Investment Management, a global firm based in Calgary. Craig explores the innovative ways Mawer fostered a strong organizational culture and community within the firm, especially during challenging times like COVID-19. He discusses the transformation from quarterly lunches to weekly investment calls, the importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure, and how they promote core behaviours like candour, curiosity, accountability, and appreciation.
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E473 – Current & Critical – Ian Macdonald, Understanding Calgary’s Tech Success: Economic Impact and Startup Support
In this episode, get a peek at the heart of Calgary’s explosive growth with Ian Macdonald, Business and Innovation Leader, KPMG High Growth Ventures at KPMG. Over the past five years, Calgary has emerged as the fastest-growing tech hub in North America, boasting a staggering 78% growth rate from 2018 to 2024. Ian sheds light on his unique role at KPMG, where he focuses on forming meaningful relationships within the tech and innovation sectors. We discuss KPMG's strategic investments, the power of the Platform Innovation Center, and the Ignition Center's innovative approach to solving complex business challenges.
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E472 – Current & Critical – Israel Peck, Profitability Through People: Three Things to Stop Doing to Increase Your Margin (Part 2 of 2)
In this episode, we continue our culture conversation with Israel Peck, Founder and CEO of Cratic—a company specializing in measuring and enhancing company culture and performance. This is part two of our series, building on the insights from Profitability Through People: Effective Team-Building and Cultural Strategies. Shifting focus, we explore three key practices to stop doing that can immediately impact your profitability. Israel examines the pivotal role middle management plays in shaping workplace dynamics, the influence of different leadership styles on team outcomes, and the importance of replacing manipulative tactics with genuine, curiosity-driven questioning. Backed by insights from Harvard Business Review and McKinsey, this episode underscores how small, strategic changes in workplace culture can lead to a 3x increase in profit margins.
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E471 – Current & Critical – Israel Peck, Profitability Through People: Effective Team-Building and Cultural Strategies (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode, hear from Israel Peck, an authority on team strategy and organizational culture, who is also the Founder and CEO of Cratic. In this first part of our engaging two-part series, Israel shares his expert opinions on topics critical to improving workplace dynamics and boosting profitability. He highlights simple yet impactful strategies for building trust, integrating aspects of coaching, psychology, and open communication to improve team dynamics. Israel also stresses the importance of understanding and addressing employees’ actual needs and desires, which can significantly enhance team cohesiveness and overall business performance.
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E470 – Current & Critical – Lisa Baril, Insights on Efficient and Purpose-Driven Meetings for Leaders
In this episode, discover tried and true methods to enhance your team dynamics and make more impactful meetings from Lisa Baril, Owner and Principal at LCH Relations Inc. As an award-winning facilitator and strategic advisor, Lisa has deep expertise in change management, organizational culture, and effective communication. She can help you unpack the core elements that make meetings productive and meaningful.
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E469 – Current & Critical – Chris Jones, Navigating Business Exits and Ownership Transitions
In this episode, multi-hyphenate Chris Jones—business team coach, best-selling author, EOS implementer, and speaker—returns to the show to explore the complexities of modern leadership and business transitions. By unpacking the evolving mindset of today’s leaders and entrepreneurs, Chris shares predictions on an upcoming wave of business exits as Boomers retire and the psychological challenge faced by entrepreneurs on how to separate their identity from their business.
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E468 – Current & Critical – Meghan Donohoe, How to Transform your Leadership: Adaptability, Connection, and Growth
In this episode, unpack the complex and nuanced world of leadership and organizational dynamics with the equally dynamic Meghan Donohoe, Co-Founder of Pebble, a company dedicated to truly innovative leadership development. While challenging the common tendencies people have to blame leaders, Meghan also dissects the unsustainable expectations placed on them.
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E467 – Current & Critical – Russ Altman on HubSpot, CRM Utilization, and Solving Founder-Led Sales Challenges
In this episode, Russ Altman, Director of Business Development at Stack’d Consulting, shares how founder-led sales can become a bottleneck for business growth and explains why stepping out of the process is crucial for scaling. He discusses the importance of stepping back and implementing systems like CRM tools, which allow businesses to grow beyond the founder’s personal bandwidth. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, Russ explains how delegating critical roles and trusting experts can help founders avoid burnout while driving long-term growth.
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E466 – Current & Critical – Jared Marley, Balancing Wildlife and Industry: Co-Existence Strategies
In this episode, Jared Marley, Director of Business Development at Margo Supplies, shares how his company is revolutionizing human-wildlife conflict management through cutting-edge technology. Jared shares how Margo Supplies uses tools like wildlife tracking collars, electric fences, and non-lethal deterrents to help industries, communities, and wildlife coexist more harmoniously. From Alberta’s oil fields to remote wilderness areas, Jared explains how human development often overlaps with natural habitats and how his company’s tech-driven solutions are minimizing the negative impacts on wildlife while keeping communities safe.
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E465 – Current & Critical – Joanna Pariseau & Melissa Boerger, Food Meets Tech: Innovating Your Local Dining Scene
In this episode, Melissa Boerger and Joanna Pariseau, co-founders of Taste the City, share the story behind their innovative approach to food tourism. Combining technology with a deep understanding of restaurant culture, Melissa and Joanna have redefined what it means to experience a city’s culinary scene. They discuss how Taste the City provides food-forward experiences by allowing locals and visitors to explore multiple restaurants in one evening through seamless, digitally guided tours.
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E464 – Current & Critical – Stéphane Hamel, Balancing Data Privacy and Effective Marketing: Today’s Biggest Challenges
In this episode, explore the collision of data privacy and digital marketing with Stéphane Hamel, teaching fellow at Laval University. He pulls back the curtain on the challenges posed by advertising behemoths like Google and Facebook. Businesses are not just dealing with hefty ad bills but also passing these costs onto customers. Drawing upon his extensive background—ranging from academia to consultancy—Stephane provides actionable insights into balancing effective marketing with robust privacy safeguards.
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E463 – Current & Critical – Paul Petten, Ensuring Stability and Security in Fracking Through Localized Sand Supply
In this episode, President of Wayfinder Corp, Paul Petten, joins the show to explore how intentional community support drives business success. Not only does Paul touch on the regulatory landscape of the oil and gas industry in Western Canada, but he explores company culture and efficient operations in a candid way. From balancing caution with excitement to the power of consistent communication, Paul’s impactful approach will inspire you.
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E462 – Current & Critical – Jeff Humphreys, Fostering Authentic Connections: Podcasting and Branding
In this episode, hear from exceptional storyteller Jeff Humphreys, creator of The Calgary Sessions podcast and President and CEO of Shortline Creative. Jeff shares his insightful journey from traditional agency work to focusing on digital storytelling, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adapting to new challenges in the creative industry.
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