Collisions YYC

Did a colleague ever ask you to set up a Zoom call last year? If so, not often. But in the face of the global crisis, online platforms have played a key role in the survival of our business operations. Does this mean there is an opportunity to integrate a platform-based economy into Calgary's transformation? My guest Ryan Gill, CEO and Co-Founder of Communo, believes there is. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the opportunities of a platform-based economy through the lens of his company Communo, a work-model ecosystem that connects solopreneurs and creative advertising agencies.

Many B2C brands and companies had to quickly adapt to this crisis to be there for their customers and keep their businesses alive. But what about B2B marketing and sales? Are new products and services on the minds of business leaders when their main focus is to get through this crisis? This is where my guest Jeff Boyle, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Vintri Technologies Inc., clears the air for us. In this episode, Jeff and I discuss business development in the age of COVID-19 and what the world of B2B marketing and sales looks like during and on the other side of this crisis.

When we think of what sparked Calgary’s need for transformation, the economic downturn probably comes to mind. But as Ed Ma will tell us, innovation and transformation have been an integral part of our DNA for much longer than the past five years. In this episode, Ed talks about the ongoing transformation in Alberta's energy sector, renewable technology’s impact on our future, and the importance of embracing a lower carbon footprint as we continue to move forward.

It’s safe to say that one of the biggest adjustments to working from home is the lack of company culture. But for my guest Shane Wallace, founder and CEO of CultureSmith, company culture is more than Casual Fridays and foosball tables. It’s about how a company operates and engages as a whole. In this episode, Shane and I discuss the importance of creating a strong company culture that exists beyond the office walls using emotional intelligence and keeping fully engaged with clients and employees.

*Please note, this was recorded in the “Good Old Days” before COVID19Brian has worked in the film festival circuit for over 15 years, founding the Indianapolis International Film Festival in 2004 and working with the Nashville Film Festival for over a decade. His contributions doubled and quadrupled their respective audiences, which in turn fueled the economy and added to the culture of each city. Brian believes the same can be done here in Calgary. During our conversation, Brain explains why the Calgary International Film Festival is a viable economic driver for our city and how it can help redefine our image to the world.

As President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, Mary has a distinct and very credible perspective on the transformation of our city. As a passionate and proud Calgarian, she brings a more personal perspective to the table as well. In this episode, Mary and I have an honest discussion about Calgary as we talk about the challenges we currently face and the opportunities we need to jump on to create optimism for the road ahead.

As a coach and a mentor, Tina helps others that are stuck in a rut transform themselves for a brighter future. So, who better to chat with to get Calgary out of its current rut through a transformation of its own? In this episode, Tina brings a perspective of transformation that starts on a personal level as we discuss the challenges of fixed mindsets, the importance of curiosity, and what needs to be done to transform our city for the better.

As we continue to live in the age of COVID-19, it’s safe to say that business as we know it has faced a radical change. But we mustn’t lose sight of the radical change that we, as Albertans, were already working towards before we were working from home – our economic transformation. Today, we shift the focus back to our economic transformation with Chris Doornbos, President, CEO, and Director of E3 Metals Corp.In this episode, Chris shares E3 Metal Corp’s plans to bring lithium production to Alberta using our existing skills in oil and gas production, and how it can fuel a strong economic diversity in our province.

Join me as I chat with Pat Ottmann, Co-Publisher & Owner of Business in Calgary.Back in 1991, Pat founded Business in Calgary, a publication dedicated to the people, trends, and events that drive our city's growth and success. 30 yrs later, he is still co-publisher of the magazine, which means he’s had a first-hand perspective of the evolution of Calgary’s business community from a journalistic lens, back when it was a city of 600,000 to the economic downturn we are facing today. Pat brings his insights on past “transformations” of Calgary to the conversation of today's change and shares what makes it so different this time around and why we are well positioned for future success. 

When COVID-19 left us working from home back in mid-March, we were blindsided to say the least. Many of us were left making tough decisions to get through this pandemic, and it seems we're still trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel  But much like the name of her new innovation agency, my guest Alex Nuth sees this as a now or never opportunity to make sure we aren't blindsided again.In this episode, Alex discusses the future business models that will carry us out of the pandemic, specifically on how they should be used as an opportunity to rethink the future and how we create value.