Collisions YYC

In this episode, our host Tyler Chisholm gets an update from Colleen Pound, Co-Founder of Proxure, as she shares her journey to raise venture capital for her company. Colleen recently returned from an immersive founder experience in San Francisco, where she was part of a curated Canadian female cohort exploring capital, customer acquisition, and the power of community. This episode is brought to y...

In today’s episode, Tyler sits down with Canadian crypto pioneer Dave “Bitcoin” Bradley to explore how Bitcoin has evolved—and what’s been lost along the way. From selling mining rigs out of a Calgary storefront to co-founding Bitnational and installing early Bitcoin ATMs, Dave has been hands-on with crypto since the early days. Now, with his new project Barebones Bitcoin, he’s aiming to cut throu...

In today’s episode, Tyler welcomes Bill Allston and Haney Cheema from ASCENT Consulting, a Calgary-based engineering firm with three decades of experience supporting Western Canada’s energy sector. Bill explains how ASCENT’s people-first culture and client longevity have been the foundation of its success, while Haney dives into how they’re now supporting hydrogen, carbon capture, lithium, and oth...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Lasha Glennie, Business Development Manager at Economic Development Winnipeg, for a conversation about the surprising strength of Winnipeg’s tech and creative industries. Lasha shares how the city is punching above its weight with competitive tax credits, low overhead, and a culture of close-knit collaboration. She also discusses the province’s evo...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Kindra Howard, Partner at Tricon Solutions, to explore the real story behind taking over a business in the thick of uncertainty. From surviving the COVID downturn to navigating the complexities of succession planning, Kindra shares an unfiltered look at buying into a twenty-year-old consulting firm and leading it into its next chapter. Kindra talks...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Jeff Parry, founder of Jeff Parry Promotions, to explore the economics of entertainment and the policy gaps holding Alberta’s creative sector back. With more than 45 years in the business, Jeff has produced everything from touring concerts and musicals to the Van Gogh immersive experience that took North America by storm during the pandemic. Jeff o...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with **Cherie Bowker**, Dean of SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology, to explore rebuilding post-secondary education from the inside out. Cherie shares how SAIT is breaking the mould—from launching Alberta’s first downtown cyber range to creating agile programs that respond directly to workforce demand. She unpacks the tension between traditi...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Steve Mesler (Olympic gold medalist, founder of Mesler Performance Group) and Jayson Krause (Founder of Level 52) to talk about the Champions Summit, a new leadership event happening June 4–5 in Calgary. They explore how the event is designed to support rising leaders—those in director and VP roles—by bridging the gap between middle management and...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Nick Samain to talk about the evolution of the Global Energy Show, Calgary’s legacy in energy innovation, and the critical role events play in shaping industry narratives. Nick shares how DMG Events has expanded the show’s focus beyond oil and gas to include nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture, and other emerging sectors—all while fostering interna...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Deborah Yedlin for the 500th episode of Collisions YYC. This milestone conversation unpacks Calgary’s growth, challenges, and future. With a career spanning journalism, education, and business leadership, Deborah brings a rare blend of insight and candour to this milestone episode. Together, they explore how Calgary’s past downturns built the fou...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Mark Poweska, President and CEO of ENMAX, to discuss Alberta’s evolving energy landscape. Mark brings 30+ years of experience across BC, Ontario, and Alberta’s power systems, offering a candid look at how deregulated markets function and what makes Alberta’s model so distinctive. He explains how ENMAX balances a competitive retail and generation bu...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Chris Wiersma, Chair at MacKay CEO Forums, for an introspective and inspiring conversation about leadership, purpose, and the evolution of ambition. Chris brings a unique lens to personal development through his background in executive coaching and goal theory, helping leaders navigate the shift from ego-driven performance to purpose-driven impact....

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Cory Janssen, co-founder and co-CEO of AltaML, to explore the next frontier of artificial intelligence—and what it means for Alberta’s innovation economy. Cory breaks down how AltaML is helping organizations move from pilot projects to production-scale applications, using industry-specific AI agents to automate complex workflows in construction, he...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm reconnects with returning guest Jennie Gilbert, a Calgary-based leadership development specialist and long-time SAIT facilitator, to explore the real meaning of feedback at work. Together, they unpack what makes feedback difficult, how power and ego often get in the way, and why leaders need to move from feedback to feedforward. Jennie shares practical strategi...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with returning guest Leah Sarich. Leah reflects on her five-year anniversary with Thin Air Labs and how her journalism background has helped her uncover the deeper human truths behind startup success. From securing non-dilutive funding to building founder-first support systems, Leah shares how Thin Air Labs has evolved and why its values matter more t...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with returning guest, Jeremy McCrea. As Managing Director of Equity Research at BMO Capital Markets, Jeremy brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector—and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to be a better energy investor right now. Together, they unpack how uncertainty around tariffs, political volatility, and market se...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm invites Arielle Land, Director of Operations at Movement 51, to discuss empowering women in venture capital. Arielle shares how Movement51, a nonprofit arm of The 51, seeks to tackle the significant gender disparity in venture capital funding, where women, despite representing 51% of the population, receive less than 5% of venture capital. Through focused educa...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Sandra Clarkson, the inspiring CEO of the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society. This episode promises to inform and educate and inspire listeners to reflect on their role in shaping a community where everyone has the security of a home. Tune in to discover how you can be part of a movement to transform lives and build a stronger, more equitab...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm welcomes back Iggy Domagalski, marking his fifth appearance on the podcast and earning him a spot in the prestigious five-timers club. This episode revisits their evolving discussions since 2019, highlighting Iggy's journey from his leadership role at Tundra to becoming the CEO of Wajax. With over 160 years of history, Wajax stands as one of Canada's most endur...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Ryan Coutts, Digital Entertainment Accelerator Lead at Bow Valley College and VP, Alberta South at the Alberta Esports Association (AESA), to explore the cutting-edge world of digital entertainment. As the Digital Entertainment Accelerator Lead at Bow Valley College, Ryan is pivotal in fostering Calgary's burgeoning creative economy, focusing on ga...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with AlchemistOne co-founders Adam Geiger and Chelsea Galloway to explore their decision to move to Calgary. After exiting a successful software business, Adam and Chelsea set out to create AlchemistOne, an innovative mobile app designed to support individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression. But they needed a city supporting their...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Jim Dunn, President of Stack Modular, to unpack Jim’s insights and experiences in an industry often overshadowed by misconceptions and traditional barriers. From an unplanned leap from LA beaches to the bustling world of Chinese manufacturing, Jim's path to becoming a leader in modular construction is as fascinating as it is inspiring. You’ll disco...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Chief Economist of Connect Alberta, Charles St-Arnaud, for an insightful discussion about the forces shaping Alberta’s economy. Charles breaks down the long-term shifts in the province’s economic landscape, exploring how the oil sector has evolved from boom-and-bust cycles into a more stable yet still dominant industry. He explains why Alberta’s ec...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Shondell Sabad, Co-Founder of Prairie Vertical Farms, to unpack the exciting and transformative world of indoor, vertical farming. From addressing pressing issues like food security and sustainability, especially in the heartland of Alberta, vertical farming can be a long-term solution. Discover why producing locally can reduce pressure on long-dis...

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Philip Calvert, past guest and Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed, to discuss his inspiring journey and current role as the Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed. With a rich history of service and a passion for community betterment, Philip has been instrumental in the Mustard Seed's mission to support Calgary's most vulnerable c...