Back to Business: Calgary

Temi Okesanya, a petroleum engineering master's graduate from the University of Alberta, shared his inspiring career journey on the Back to Business: Calgary podcast. His path in the oil and gas industry took unexpected turns, from technical roles to product management, all fueled by the power of networking. Temi's entrepreneurial drive was ignited when he experienced the inefficiencies of the roa...

Sherri Shergill, a Calgary native, is a licensed therapist with a background in communications and a master's in clinical psychology. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations and racialized communities has earned her recognition, including a top 40 under 40 honor. Sherri's experience extends beyond Canadian borders, having worked on mental health initiatives for rural and vulnerable pop...

Melissa From serves as the President and CEO of the Calgary Petroleum Club Bank, boasting a robust 20-year tenure in the nonprofit sector. Her career encompasses the establishment and expansion of the International Justice Mission, a startup nonprofit that has since flourished into a multi-million dollar organization dedicated to rescuing victims of slavery and forced prostitution internationally....

Cedna Todorovic, an accomplished and renowned photographer, has embarked on a fascinating journey from the corporate realm to entrepreneurial success. With two decades of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, project services, and business process improvement, Cedna's transition into a full-time photographer and the founder of Chedna Portrait Stories showcases her resilience a...

D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika, a former engineer with a passion for education and mentorship, has made significant strides in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Her involvement in engineering outreach and the establishment of a nonprofit aimed at promoting STEM fields showcases her dedication to engaging youth in entrepreneurship and technology. With a background in chemical engineering an...

Jay McNeil, a former player for the Calgary Stampeders and the current President, brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the discussion of the team's impact on the local community. With an extensive background in both on-field performance and administrative leadership, Jay offers a unique perspective on the Calgary Stampeders' role in shaping the community. His deep understanding of the team's...

Kate Briscoe, a proud Calgarian with a civil engineering background, brings a fresh and practical approach to commercial real estate and construction project management. Her hands-on experience on construction sites in Calgary has fueled her passion for the industry's tangible nature. As a pivotal figure in M3's journey, she has played a crucial role in steering the company's growth from a small t...

Laureen Regan, the founder of Boom Group, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in building loyalty and engagement within business strategies. With a background in creating successful member rewards platforms, Laureen's insights into the benefits of such platforms and their impact on customer retention are invaluable for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her journey from Ireland to Ca...

With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Dave Jones has become a trailblazer in sustainable adventure tourism. From his early days as a dishwasher to assuming the role of COO at Basecamp, Dave's journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance. His passion for fostering community growth and promoting career advancement within the industry resonates with the podca...

Skye Kaiss is an established co-owner of Orange Theory Fitness in Calgary, boasting extensive experience in the fitness industry since 2005. With a professional background in civil engineering, Skye's journey of personal transformation aligns with his insights into building discipline through fitness. His emphasis on the transition from motivation to discipline, coupled with practical strategies f...

Jon Cornish, a former professional football player and current RBC representative, is a highly regarded individual in both sports and community leadership. With a background in psychology and a successful transition to the finance sector, Jon's expertise and dedication are evident. His significant involvement in community support initiatives, particularly within the Calgary Black Chambers, demonst...

Matt Booth brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, starting at Fairmont in Jasper. His journey has seen him delve into various departments, from golf and food & beverage to security. Eventually, he found his calling in sales and events, where he could connect with people on a personal level. Now as the sales manager of Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a luxurious Marr...

David Wallach is a distinguished figure in the real estate sector, boasting extensive experience in commercial real estate brokerage and property management. His expertise is further exemplified through his role as a seasoned podcaster and real estate expert. With an in-depth understanding of REIT opportunities and market dynamics, David provides valuable insights into the evolving trends within C...

Shari Graydon is a seasoned speaker, writer, and advocate immersed in the realm of media and communications for over three decades. Her pivotal role in a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying women's voices in public discourse underscores her profound understanding of the challenges surrounding women's representation in media, business, and politics. With a keen focus on fostering gender...

Gurpreet Lail, the CEO of Enserva, is our guest for today's episode. With a strong background in the energy sector, Gurpreet has been instrumental in advocating for the workforce behind the energy, representing the service, supply, and manufacturing sector. Her deep understanding of the industry's evolution and collaborative efforts within the sector provides valuable insights into dispelling indu...

W. Brett Wilson, a well-respected Canadian entrepreneur, is known for his extensive expertise in business and philanthropy. With a background in civil engineering and a successful transition into investment banking, Brett brings a unique blend of strategic acumen and a compassionate approach to entrepreneurship. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the bu...

Luke Azevedo serves as the Vice President of Creative Industries Operations and Film Commissioner at the Calgary Economic Development, bringing more than 17 years of experience in the creative sector. His extensive tenure underscores his deep understanding of Calgary's economic landscape. Luke's strategic focus lies in identifying opportunities for the creative economy to drive economic growth, fo...

Brian Desjardins is an aviation enthusiast and the Executive Director of the Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary. With over six years of experience at the museum, Brian is dedicated to building awareness and engaging the community in Calgary's rich aviation history. His passion for preserving and sharing the stories of over 30 aircraft, including the iconic Mosquito Bomber, reflects his commitment to...

Daniel Lawrance-Lopez, a young professional with a passion for business and finance, is the co-owner of an insurance practice in Calgary, Alberta. With a diverse background in entrepreneurial ventures, including videography and e-commerce, Daniel's journey to the insurance industry was deeply influenced by personal experiences. His dedication to helping business owners protect their assets and nav...

Donna Murphy holds a Masters degree in Social Work and has been a professional counselor both in industry and private practice for 20 years. Specializing in women’s issues, Donna brings a passion to working within major areas such as blending families, co-parenting, general parenting, and relationship building.  She is currently developing a powerful and unique educational program specificall...

Fraser Abbott, the driving force behind Tourism Calgary's champions program, is dedicated to positioning Calgary as an attractive destination for large-scale conferences and events. His role involves identifying local thought leaders to chair these gatherings, ultimately making a substantial impact on the city's economic growth and overall development. With the imminent BMO expansion, Fraser is at...

Gilbert Bong, a proud Calgarian, serves as the president and founding partner of Zelos Investment Council, a financial services firm specializing in wealth management for individuals and families. With a background in investment banking and corporate advisory, Gilbert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His journey from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship offers a uniq...

Herman Van Reekum, a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of beekeeping. Born in Canada to parents from Holland, Herman's upbringing in Calgary and his background in immigration have uniquely shaped his perspective on the industry. With a deep-rooted connection to beekeeping through his mother's own involvement, Herman's transiti...

Bethany Ross is a true Calgary champion, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children facing food insecurity. As a lifelong resident of the city, she understands the importance of community and the power it holds to bring people together. Through her role as the driving force behind Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids, Bethany has been able to make a positive impact on countless children's...

Karen Boudewyn, a financial planning expert, shares her inspiring journey on the Back to Business Calgary podcast. Growing up in a small town in BC, Karen's parents instilled in her an unwavering belief that there were no limits to what she could achieve. With her father's encouragement and her mother's compassionate nature, Karen learned the value of critical thinking, compassion, and a "can-do"...