People & Culture
Culture is everything when it comes to your business. It shapes how employees feel, how productive they are, and how well they work together. Strong workplace culture can be the difference between a thriving business and one that just gets by.
That's why it's so important to get your company culture right. In this series of Collisions YYC episodes, hear from some of the best and brightest minds in Alberta’s business world about culture and people management. You’ll learn what makes a successful culture, how to build one from scratch, and how to keep it going strong.
Muni Boga
No matter what business you run, your employees are always the most important part. In today's modern work world, it's essential to pair purpose with your business model – it's not optional anymore. Muni Boga is an expert in organizational culture who can help you understand the importance of the right behaviour in the workplace, and how to identify and foster it. After all, if you're driving your organization forward with purpose, you'll achieve better results more quickly.
Marissa McNeelands & April Hicke
Interested in disrupting the status quo in tech hiring? Meet April Hicke and Marissa McNeelands, Co-Founders of Toast, a member-based search firm with a mission: tilt the hiring scale in favour of women in tech. Faced with increasing public and VC pressure for diversity, companies are listening, and Toast is here to help them navigate both the recruitment and retention of top female talent.
Based in Calgary and Toronto, April and Marissa dive into the unique pros and cons of each city's tech landscape, even making a compelling argument for Calgary's inherent inclusivity. This conversation is your chance to reevaluate your own biases and organizational approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jeff Russell
Ever felt like you're just not cut out for the 9 to 5 grind? Meet Jeff Russell, the self-proclaimed "unemployable" entrepreneur who leapt from corporate Canada to building multiple thriving businesses. Jeff is a treasure trove of insights, from pinpointing industries that need your skills to mastering the operational systems that fuel success.
With his mantra focusing on a balanced life enriched by health, wealth, and wellness, Jeff has not only systematized his businesses but also crafted a lifestyle that allows him the freedom to mentor other aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn the nitty-gritty of building a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Making Changes Association
One of the greatest aspects of Calgary is our city’s ability to welcome different cultures, views and ways of thinking. The pioneering spirit of embracing change is a strength we can rely on as we navigate a rapidly changing tech ecosystem, economy and talent shortage. The Making Changes Association team each highlights the economic benefits to diverse and inclusive workplaces and shares how their new Women In Technology program can build bridges between industry and overlooked candidates. You’ll also learn more about their funding and how friendly competition between companies can deliver greater access and pathways to growth.
Hilton Barbour
There are plenty of new, innovative businesses and organizations popping up in our province. However, for some of these organizations, success might remain out of reach due to a lack of strong culture. Company culture expert Hilton shares his views on the importance of culture, making it clear that without a strong foundation, many businesses can crumble. Find out why culture is essential for any organization that wants to succeed.
Eve Akinyi Aboka-Griess
The early summer of 2020 was a watershed moment in the civil rights movement, as people took to the streets over the death of George Floyd. I was inspired to learn more and invited Eve to join the show to discuss diversity, inclusion and belonging. She shares what we as leaders and organizations can do to understand and end the discrimination that so many people face daily.
Jan Nighswander
Jan brings decades of Human Resources experience to her clients at J. Nighswander & Associates Inc. When COVID-19 struck, we turned to Jan to gain clarity on the unprecedented global change in how we work. Jan shared what the early few weeks of COVID were like as we worked through this crisis from home, what we can do better as leaders and how to show up, especially given the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds.
Jon Cornish
Jon is a CFL superstar and 2x Grey Cup champion. He is also the 15th Chancellor at the University of Calgary and the Founder and President of The Calgary Black Chambers, an organization of Black professionals and entrepreneurs that want to make Calgary the best place for Black people to live and work in Canada. Learn about Jon’s vision for The Calgary Black Chambers, how they celebrate Black success, and the work they are doing to have Black history added to the Alberta curriculum.
Marc Pavlopoulos
Marc has lived and worked in Canada, then Silicon Valley, and then Canada again - so he knows firsthand the difficulties of relocation to a different country. He shares his vision for a cross-border way of business that creates opportunities for both American and Canadian tech workers. He'll discuss the challenges and potential solutions for making the immigration process simpler and more efficient, as well as what it takes to build a successful career in Canada's vibrant tech industry.
Allie Knull
In today's job market, your resume is not enough to get you hired. With so many qualified candidates vying for the same position, employers are increasingly looking for ways to better identify a candidate's potential and fit. Enter Allie and her online screening tool, ResumeFree™.
Allie shares her thoughts on Alberta's start-up community, the resources she used to bring her idea to life, and why the traditional resume has become antiquated in the age of digital and social networking.
Bobbie Racette
Ready to turn your startup into a force for social change? Rejoin Bobbie Racette, Founder of Virtual Gurus, as she shares invaluable insights from growing her team from 2 to 50 and breaking the fundraising barrier. Discover why strong leadership is key to scaling, and how Virtual Gurus is challenging traditional hiring practices to empower those often overlooked.
Lauren Dwyer
Join Lauren as she delves into the urgent need to get students tech-savvy for the future job market and explores the profound impact of AI on society. With her unique lens, shaped by a background in communications, Lauren discusses critical issues like tech bias and the potential for socio-economic divides due to unequal tech access—even in Canada.
Brent Marshall
Ready for a masterclass in converting life's adversities into a springboard for purposeful success? Meet Brent Marshall, a man who grew up tough in a trailer park and faced two near-death experiences but used them to fuel a life of both passion and philanthropy. As the brains behind Canada's top high-volume car dealerships, Brent didn't stop at personal success. He turned his winning formula into millions of dollars in donations to local children's hospitals.
Heidi Brandley
In today's ever-changing job market, it's more important than ever to be flexible and adaptable. Heidi Brandley will help us understand how to stay ahead of the curve, the opportunities in a virtual work world, and how Alberta-based companies can continue to attract and develop top talent across the province.