Collisions YYC

Crystal Phillips, former Olympic-level speed skater and co-founder of the Branch Out Foundation, joins Collisions YYC as the newly minted Senior Director at the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). In this candid and future-forward episode, Crystal and host Tyler Chisholm explore how OCIF is fueling Calgary’s transformation through strategic investments in high-potential sectors—from life sciences to agtech to creative industries. Crystal unpacks how OCIF evaluates projects for impact, fosters ecosystem “collisions,” and balances long-term vision with short-term execution. She also shares personal insights on leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and why Calgary’s culture of collaboration remains its greatest asset. This episode is a masterclass in economic development meets emotional intelligence. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and civic leaders alike.Topics Covered:What OCIF is and how it worksSector-focused economic development (Life Sciences, Agtech, Aerospace, etc.)Creating and funding hubs, nodes, and platformsThe balance of curiosity vs. decision-making in leadershipWhy creative industries are crucial to ecosystem storytellingNavigating imposter syndrome in new rolesCalgary’s innovation ecosystem and its unique strengthsFor the extra curiousLinks & Mentions:Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) Branch Out Neurological Foundation Platform CalgaryThe Knowledge SocietyCreative Destruction LabSimilar episodes you might enjoyE515 – Justin Caskey, Transforming Service Business With Technology E512 – Chris Foster, AI Hype vs. Reality: Expert InsightsE500 – Deborah Yedlin, Brains, Business, and Belonging: Unpacking the Calgary AdvantageE513 – Rosa Twyman, Energy Markets, Renewables, and Consumer Impact E495 – Leah Sarich, Exploring the Human Side of Startup Success and ChallengesThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Crystal Phillips’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-phillips-7296b932OCIF’s Website: https://www.opportunitycalgary.com/Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this timely return to Collisions YYC, Tyler Chisholm reconnects with Jeff Davison—former city councillor and current candidate for mayor—to unpack the evolving challenges Calgary faces in 2025. From rising frustration over affordability and city services to declining trust in local governance, Jeff offers a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made (or delayed) at City Hall—and what needs to change. This episode explores Jeff’s updated platform, his views on public safety, the expansion of city staff, and the role of partisan politics in municipal decision-making. With honesty and urgency, he shares why leading Calgary today requires more than good ideas—it demands clarity, courage, and collaboration. Whether you're voting this fall or just care deeply about where Calgary is headed, this is essential listening.In this episode:The unique challenges and changes facing Calgary since the last electionThe real state of public safety, infrastructure, and city services in 2025Davison’s vision for a safer, more affordable, and opportunity-rich CalgaryHonest discussion on the impact of party politics, campaign promises, and why trust in city council is at an all-time lowDavison’s approach to leadership, collaboration, and how he plans to drive lasting change—even when the problems are complex and the environment is toughHot-button topics like the property tax freeze, city staff growth, bike lane freezes, transit, economic diversification, and the future of civic engagementTop 3 Wisdom Bombs"Calgary is the greatest city on earth. We just want to make it better.""You have to respect staff to earn staff's respect in return. You have to provide clear communication, clear direction, clear, consistent rules that say, here's how we're going to operate as a city.""Complex problems do not have simple answers. And there’s a lot of levers that you have to pull and the right thing is balance."This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Jeff Davison’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavisonyycJeff Davison’s Website: https://www.jeffdavisonyyc.comJeff Davison’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558731656751Jeff Davison’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdavisonyycJeff Davison’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffDavisonYYCCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this powerful departure from the usual business talk, Collisions YYC host Tyler Chisholm reconnects with longtime friend and award-winning author Marcello Di Cintio to discuss his newest book, Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers. What begins as a conversation about storytelling and research quickly becomes a compelling dissection of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program—a system that many Canadian businesses now depend on, yet one that “enables bad bosses to be bad” and quietly upholds racial and economic divides.Tyler brings the lens of a business owner frustrated by labour shortages, while Marcello offers moving and deeply researched accounts of the people working behind the scenes in farms, restaurants, and care facilities. For leaders navigating a tight labour market, this episode challenges you to see migrant workers not just as solutions to staffing problems—but as human beings who deserve better from the systems they uphold.Buy the book: Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers Support Calgary indie booksellers like Shelf Life Books or Owl’s Nest Books.In This Episode Why Canada’s labour policies don’t live up to its valuesThe historical shift from European to racialized migrant labourStories of courage, loss, and exploitation across sectorsThe business owner’s frustration vs. the worker’s realityHope from the frontlines of advocacyThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Marcello Di Cintio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcello-di-cintio-14681810/Marcello Di Cintio’s Website: https://www.marcellodicintio.comMarcello Di Cintio’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcello.di.cintioCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

Are you ready to future-proof your career and organization with the power of AI and product management? In this episode of Collisions YYC, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Christa Hill—CEO of Tacit Edge and co-founder of AI North—to unpack cutting-edge insights on AI adoption, digital transformation, and building resilient, empowered teams in a rapidly evolving world. Christa’s passion for people-first AI, continuous learning, and practical implementation shines through as she shares the mindsets, tools, and tactics that are helping organizations thrive amidst constant change. Plus, discover how Tacit Edge’s unique approach to coaching and curriculum design can help you—and your business—stay ahead of the curve.What you’ll learn:How Christa and her team at Tacit Edge are transforming organizations with hands-on AI training, executive coaching, and product management expertiseWhy the myth that “AI is just for technical people” is DEAD—and how anyone can (and must) become AI-literateStep-by-step strategies for leaders to reclaim hours in their workweek using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and GammaThe secret to breaking down silos, fostering innovation, and driving real business value with cross-functional, AI-enabled teamsA candid, actionable dialogue about AI literacy, overcoming burnout, and embracing technology without fearWhy Canada’s low AI literacy ranking is an urgent wakeup call—and what you can do about it right nowThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.com Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmTyler’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerchisholmyyc Guest links: Christa Hill’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christajhill Tacit Edge’s Website: https://www.tacit-edge.com Tacit Edge’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tacitedge Tacit Edge’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacit.edge Tacit Edge’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TacitEdge Tacit Edge’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TacitEdge AI North’s Website: https://www.ainorth.ai AI North’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573443917342 AI North’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ainorth/ Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler Chisholm speaks with James McInnes, founder of Prompty, a Calgary-based platform making networking more human, inclusive, and memorable. What started with one forgotten business card turned into a two-year journey to build a tool that captures not just contact info, but the stories and context that make relationships meaningful.Together, they explore:* Why networking is broken and how Prompty aims to fix it* The psychology of memory and its role in authentic relationships* How friction-free tech creates space for introverts and extroverts alike* The limitations of LinkedIn and other transactional platforms* James’ personal journey through foster care and how it shaped his perspective on trust* What Stampede, pancakes, and NFC buttons reveal about connection in actionThis episode is for anyone tired of surface-level networking and curious about how human-centred technology can deepen relationships and create lasting impact.This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:James McInnes’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepeterpotPrompty’s Website: https://www.prompty.caPrompty’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/promptyconnects/Prompty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promptyconnectsCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode, Justin Caskey, CEO and Founder of OpenCycle Technologies, returns to Collisions YYC to share how his team transformed a 35-year-old acoustical engineering firm into a globally scalable AI platform.Justin and Tyler explore what it takes to:Rebrand and reposition a legacy firm without losing trustBuild a platform that unites experts in sound, dust, emissions, and lightTransition from consulting hours to outcome-based and subscription pricingManage the cultural and organizational shifts of digital transformationEmbrace “co-intelligence” as a model for combining AI and human expertiseNavigate Alberta’s industrial and regulatory landscape as a testbed for global innovationSecure support from the University of Alberta Innovation FundCreate space for discomfort, upskilling, and asking better questionsIf you’re evolving your business model, innovating within a regulated industry, or curious about Alberta’s next generation of platform companies—don’t miss this conversation.This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.com Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links: Justin Caskey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-caskey-31b81729/OpenCycle Technologies’ Website: https://www.opencycle.aiOpenCycle Technologies’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinopencycleCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode, our host Tyler Chisholm reconnects with returning guest John Hetherington—consultant, systems thinker, and trusted advisor to finance leaders navigating complexity in the AI era. John’s mission? Help financial teams in mid-sized companies (100–500 employees, $50–100M revenue) close their month-end books twice as fast through systems thinking, automation, and a clear-eyed approach to change management.They explore why chaos can’t scale—but systems can—and how finance teams can avoid burnout by building smarter processes. John shares his “Absorb, Assemble, Align” model for introducing AI responsibly and emphasizes the need to clarify how teams will use the time saved by automation. They also tackle the human side of transformation, including the 20/60/20 rule of change management and the importance of securing buy-in from the people doing the work. The conversation highlights how process improvement—not shiny new tech—is often the most impactful kind of innovation. John also introduces his RAPID framework as a practical blueprint for sustainable change, and he and Tyler discuss how to align automation efforts with brand, culture, and trust.If your board is asking “what’s our AI strategy?” or your finance team is drowning in spreadsheets, this episode will help you zoom out, clarify your goals, and implement change that actually sticks.This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:John Hetherington’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhetherington1We Deliver Your Vision’s Website: https://www.wedeliveryourvision.comWe Deliver Your Vision’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-deliver-your-visionCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this exciting episode, host Tyler Chisholm welcomes Rosa Twyman—regulatory lawyer, energy strategist, and one of Alberta’s sharpest legal minds on the realities behind Canada’s climate and energy ambitions. Rosa pulls back the curtain on:How Alberta’s deregulated electricity market shapes what’s possible—and what’s riskyWhy legal certainty is make-or-break for innovation in renewables and carbon captureWhat investors, founders, and regulators are getting wrong about policy timelinesThe urgent need for systems-level thinking in climate law and energy governanceIf you work in cleantech, finance, infrastructure, or policy, Rosa’s insights will change how you think about Canada’s path to net zero.This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.com Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links: Rosa Twyman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-twyman-12a2513aRegulatory Law Chambers’ Website: https://www.regulatorylawchambers.caRegulatory Law Chambers’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regulatory-law-chambers/Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this must-listen episode, host Tyler Chisholm welcomes back Chris Foster for a high-energy, ground-level exploration of innovation in Calgary and beyond. Chris unpacks his transition from Chief Innovation Officer in the energy sector to consulting with organizations worldwide, sharing a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how digital transformation really happens. Chris breaks down the big questions, including:How do you separate AI reality from AI hype?Why do so many digital initiatives get stuck in “pilot mode”?What does it take to drive meaningful change in industries steeped in tradition, risk, and regulation?How does curiosity outpace fear—in leadership, governance, and the future of work?This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Chris Foster’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfoster4Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In today’s episode, Tyler Chisholm is joined by 2025 mayoral candidate Jeff Davison for a wide-ranging conversation on Calgary’s past, present, and future. A former city councillor and business leader, Jeff shares why he’s running for mayor again—and what’s changed since his last campaign. He opens up about the importance of continuity in civic leadership, the barriers that keep good ideas from gaining traction, and how Calgary can become a national leader in housing, innovation, and inclusive growth. You’ll hear about:What Jeff learned from his time on city councilWhy he believes Calgary needs a long-term leadership lensHis approach to economic development, housing, and civic collaborationThe role of storytelling in shaping Calgary’s global brandThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.com Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links: Jeff Davison’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavisonyycJeff Davison’s Website: https://www.jeffdavisonyyc.com Jeff Davison’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558731656751Jeff Davison’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdavisonyycJeff Davison’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffDavisonYYCCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing