Collisions YYC

Before the pandemic, we would go to the mall, browse around from shop-to-shop, and leave with a bunch of unique items from different retailers. Now, we’re doing all our shopping online and expecting the same result – everything we need all at once. That's an expectation that the supply chain was never designed to fulfill. Enter Scott Gravelle and Attabotics, the world’s first 3D robotic goods-to-person platform that can keep up with modern-day shoppers and their unique ordering habits. Join me as Scott takes us through from the idea to the start-up of Attabotics, his plans to transform supply chain management, and shares his thoughts on how we can keep innovative ideas here in Calgary.

Back when this podcast first began, Judy Fairburn joined me to discuss economic transformation in Calgary and hinted at The 51 Ventures Fund, an investment community for financial feminists. Now, a year and a half later, Judy is back with one of her co-founders Shelley Kuipers for a good old-fashioned update. To sum it up, 2020 did anything but slow them down. After what can only be described as a year of ups-and-down, Judy, Shelley, and The 51 Ventures Fund thrived, even going as far as creating a fund for women-led businesses that’s 90% women-invested. Join me as Judy and Shelley take us through the evolution of The 51, their new fund, and what they have in store for future female entrepreneurs.

As we continue to move forward with our digital transformation, some aren't ready to get out of their comfort zones just yet. For Chris Foster, he thinks it’s about time they do because it pays to be curious. As VP IS & CIO of TC, Chris and his team are pushing the boundaries of innovation with wild curiosity, culture hacks, and even by bending the rules a bit from time to time. Once more Albertans start thinking like Chris, there’s no limit to what we can do. Join me as Chris shares the importance of curiosity, how it can differentiate us from the norm, and why we need to transform our people and culture before our digital landscape.

As we entered lockdown last spring, many retailers had to move their stores online to survive. With no end in sight for the pandemic, what started as a temporary solution is becoming the norm as consumers are accepting the fact that their shopping experiences will now take place online. But for Jim Hill, founder of The Esker Gallery and commercial real estate owner, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the in-person shopping experience when things go back to normal so that we don't lose the retailers and businesses that give our city its charm. Join me as Jim talks about his role as both a landlord and partner for several Inglewood retailers and where he sees the shopping experience heading post-COVID.

When I say “robot”, many people think of The Terminator or Rosey from the Jetsons. When Savana hears “robot”, she thinks of companions that can help improve our day-to-day lives. That’s the inspiration behind her company Radley Robots, a communications and concierge service via a telepresence robot that keeps people who live on their own safe, connected, and independent. Join me as Savana shares her motivation behind Radley Robots, how her experience in Calgary’s start-up community compares to others and gives us a preview of her first pilot starting this month at Silvera for Seniors.

After a series of good old-fashioned chats with a few government officials about the issues in our healthcare system, we were still missing a key side of the conversation. The perspective of someone who lives and breathes health care. Enter Dr. Bob Bray. Having spent his 30+ year career in our province, Dr. Bray has worked through the ups-and-downs of Alberta’s healthcare system. So, who better to talk to when regarding the effects our healthcare system has on our healthcare workers? Join me as Dr. Bray shares his perspective on Alberta's healthcare system and why a change of mindset can provide better opportunities, build expertise, and create a strong infrastructure.

Levvel is a Calgary-based organization that offers a wide range of expertise and services, including staffing, change management consulting, and software QA testing. For Co-Founder, President, and CEO Brian Milloy, it’s their software QA testing offering that truly sets them apart. Why? It's based on a unique, exclusive partnership that provides education, employment, and support to women in Rwanda. Join me as Brian takes us through Levvel’s services, their partnership with Muraho Technology that empowers women in Rwanda, and shares his views on the importance of diversity in business and on the opportunities that are in Calgary's future.

From finding a job to securing a working visa and permanent residency, moving to Canada as a foreign innovator isn’t as easy as just packing your bags and booking a ticket. Enter Marc Pavlopolous, Founder & Founder of Path to Canada and Syndesus. Based on his own experiences moving from Silicon Valley to Canada and back again, Marc helps streamline the immigration process for tech workers in the U.S. who want to join Canada's emerging tech sectors. Join me as Marc shares his vision for a cross-border way of business to create opportunities for both American and Canadian tech workers.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) began in 1995 to provide women entrepreneurs with capital to start their business. Over time, AWE’s empowerment has resulted in a boom of female entrepreneurship in many industries, age groups, and diversities. Now in its 25th year, CEO Marcela Mandeville and AWE are integrating our digital transformation into their programs and workshops so that women entrepreneurs aren’t overlooked in the road ahead. Join me as Marcela talks about the opportunities for female entrepreneurship in Alberta, the real economic impact AWE has created, and how we can remove the biases against women in business.

Last November, after what can only be described as a challenging year for education, Mishek Mwaba became the new President & CEO at Bow Valley College. So, how did he settle into his new role? He hit the ground running and started laying the groundwork for the vision – one that will transform the student experience and our city altogether. Join me as Mischeck shares his plans for Bow Valley College that will attract skilled people to Alberta and use emerging technology to support the retraining and upskilling of our workforce.