Collisions YYC

Reva Bond Ramsden knows how to build - whether infrastructure or the future of students. Reva will help you understand how technology is changing what students learn, where and how they learn, and how quickly curriculums have to change to keep up. Her insight into the traditional construction industry complements her forward-thinking approach to construction in the future.

The skills you have today may not be the skills that are required one year from now. But what are the skills of tomorrow? Heidi Brandley will help us understand how job seekers and employers that remain flexible and agile will continue succeeding, the opportunities in a virtual work world, and how Alberta-based companies can continue to attract and develop top talent across the province.

Understanding what innovation really means, or what emerging technology is capable of, doesn’t have to be impossible. Leah Sarich uses her background as a news anchor to tell the incredible stories happening in Alberta through Thin Air Labs. By working with start-ups that are creating massive impact, and helping all Calgarians understand the benefit and value of our innovation ecosystem, Leah and...

According to Justin, IoT helps existing skillsets and expertise by amplifying it and making them more powerful. Despite working in a mature industry, Justin and his team knew the Alberta IoT Fast Track Program could help them pivot their business to better serve their customers by eliminating the friction caused by noise pollution. Learn more about the power of IoT and how Alberta is a global lead...

The biggest ballot item in Albertans minds? The economy. COVID-19 gave us an economic beating, and also impacted our healthcare and education systems, which are the next most important topics to Albertans. Janet will help you understand the issues, what we as Albertans can do about them, and give you the data-driven knowledge to vote with confidence. 

First Nations, Metis and Inuit nations in Canada have unique cultures that connect them deeply to their traditional lands. But if they didn’t win the geographic lottery when reservations were created, opportunities may have dried up completely in remote, northern, or smaller communities. Rather than move to new regions, Steel River Group aims to bring industry and economic benefits to these areas....

In this day and age, the world is more divided than ever. In this connected digital society, we overestimate how similar we are to our peers. Politics has also become more challenging than ever - especially if you don’t know who you want to vote for. Zain wants to help you explore the ins and outs of politics. In this new era, more and more of us feel politically homeless. Zain will teach you abou...

The Internet of Things allows us greater connectivity between humans and the technological devices we use. Alan Tay helps you understand what Industrial IoT is, how Aurora Aerial is using efficiencies and better data transfer to maximize how we create true value in our communities. His optimistic outlook on Alberta’s future as an IoT technology centre will leave you curious to learn more about thi...

As a producer, you’re the parent of your product. It’s your baby, and you have to take care of it. As an investor, it’s your job to be the voice of reason and deliver advice. If you can help someone else succeed in their business, then you’ve helped yourself to succeed in your business. This concept is what fuels Thin Air Labs and James each day. Learn why this matters and other critical insights...

Wellington’s experience in digital transformation at large financial institutions helped him realize it was a key component to a more democratic financial future. By offering a fresher digital experience to their customers, not only will banking be better but Connect First Credit Union can also support local FinTech partners to grow Alberta’s economy.

Randy is invested into 100 companies and funds right now. His favourite part of venture capital is how it democratises the right to invest into alternative asset classes, making room at the table for more players who, historically, may not have had that seat otherwise. Randy breaks down the deal “food chain”, why deal flow is more important than capturing Silicon Valley level deals, and the differ...

Did you know that your mood, the way you react, the way you interact with people, and your communication style, are very much affected by the amount of sleep that you get at night? It’s true. A lack of sleep can create impairment equal to that of drinking which means you won’t operate as your best self. Learn about how to create a bedtime routine and environment that will set you up for success -...

Rick was told that the “A” in “AI” stands for “accountable”; meaning, we have to be accountable for how AI and ML get deployed to ensure there is no bias. He shares his insights on the valuable ways organizations and governments have deployed AI/ML to digitize industries such as forestry and fisheries, and how the model AltaML uses helps lift up whole communities with great talent and skillsets.

Whether you are seeking funding or to invest, Jeff Robson has the expertise to help you understand the lay of the land in Calgary. As President & CEO of Vada Capital, Jeff helps early-stage companies identify whether they need an investor or simply guidance. For those who are ready for investment, Vada Capital can help identify the true value of your idea, and shape the business the way you wa...

Our local innovation and venture sectors are critical to the success of Alberta companies. Successful families in our community want to invest in the local scene and entrepreneurs often rely on their local ecosystem to get interest from potential customers. This creates a more accessible and democratized asset class - which is critical for our economic strength and growth. Find out more about why...

As more investors begin to notice Alberta’s tech ecosystem, there will be a race to invest in these start-ups. But what if you don’t have millions to invest, Red Thread Ventures is a great place to start by investing a smaller sum and get exposure to early-stage investing. Uncover what Red Thread Ventures is doing to create a community for start-ups and investors, why Mark wants to break down the...

From Nike to KFC, United Airlines to Disney, Douglas Vermeeren has conducted detailed first-hand research into major brands’ top achievers. Why? To uncover their unique strategies and translate them into effective wealth and passive income coaching for those a bit further down the ladder. No matter what you do to earn money, COVID put our world on its head and forced everyone to examine their inco...

Rather than fit into the standard mould of what a founder looks and acts like, Sheenah is working to transform the way she pitches and lay the foundation for future women leaders to empower them to show up in their own unique way. She guides us through her experiences in pitching and raising capital to help you understand potential obstacles and opportunities. We also discuss the vision for her ne...

Bringing your idea out of the basement and into the world is scary enough. And raising capital to grow your idea? Terrifying. It doesn’t have to be! There’s no better person to help you understand venture capital than Matthew Wilson, who’s had 80+ investments. He brings us down to earth to remind us of what really matters (and it isn’t necessarily a higher valuation). He took a unique approach by...

Beyond proving your capability as an employee, there is a need to prove your knowledge in Digital Intelligence. Lee Ackerman is the perfect guide for this conversation, thanks to his multiple decades of experience working across organizational structures around the world in the arena of digital transformation. He breaks down what a digital citizen and digital society are, how we can teach and empo...

Dani, a public relations and media relations specialist, made a big shift in her career to work for the IKEA Group. The values of IKEA’s policies, which include efforts to minimize the environmental impact of production and a unique Swedish culture with strong gender parity, made the switch an easy one. We discuss Dani’s experience living abroad for a few years and how that has impacted her perspe...

With Calgary being so oil and gas-focused, how do we change the city’s economic narrative while supporting new Canadians’ careers in our city? Wunmi was driven by her own curiosity to answer that question. We discuss her meet-up group, Immigrant Techies Alberta, and how that identified other gaps she could address with her new company, Reskill Calgary. This conversation is certain to inspire you t...

From cannabis legalization to over 100 clinical trials around plant medicine happening in Canada, our country’s progressive stance on drug policy is creating new markets and new paths to wellness. Danny helps us understand what plant medicine is, and where it can fit into our healthcare system, as well as his experience with meeting investors and raising capital in the era of Zoom meetings. This e...

With polarization and partisanship deepening divides in Alberta, it’s time for informed and respectful conversations - especially around our diverse resource sector. This is what Cody is fostering with CanadaAction - all while combatting misinformation about cleantech, renewables, and oil & gas. When we speak respectfully, inclusively and truthfully, we can understand perspectives that differ...

Students face so many decisions - with plenty of input from counsellors, teachers, parents and friends - about what to do with their life. You may recall the uncertainty and lack of confidence you felt as a young adult being asked those same questions. Katie and Bridget explain how they came up with their idea, and how the entrepreneurial and helpful spirit of Calgarians has helped Joy to Job flou...