Back to Business: Calgary

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city!

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder of Excuses to Connect, a business whose mission is to create a world without loneliness by empowering individuals and organizations to make meaningful connections in their daily lives. He is also a TEDx Speaker, co-author, and certified coach.

Get Connected With Richard:

www.excusestoconnect.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardleethai/

This episode is sponsored by Rubellite Energy — powering tomorrow, together.

Discover more at https://rubelliteenergy.com/

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

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Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city!

Milena Radakovic is President and Chief Visionary of Nexus Exhibits, Western Canada's one-stop shop for complete turnkey visual branding services. Aside from being an accomplished entrepreneur, Milena has over 25 years of experience as a transformational branding, marketing and business strategist who has worked with internationally recognized marque clients. Milena's mission is to alleviate poverty by educating, empowering, supporting and celebrating women. With her Charity ‘WEDO Canada’ she’s working with various government officials to proclaim November 19th as Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Canada, , with a goal to raise funds to give $1 million dollar in scholarships to female student entrepreneurs. Her commitment has been recognized with awards such as the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Business Leader in Calgary; Calgary’s Most Influential Women in Business and others to name a few.   

Awarded RBC’s Women’s Entrepreneur for 2020, Ernst & Young 2019 Entrepreneur of the year for the Prairies in Communication Technology, she is a bold innovator, futurist, and purpose driven leader. Her portfolio includes business strategy, social enterprise, and culture building. Desirée Bombenon was inducted into the WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of fame in 2022 after being recognized for the 4th time. She is an active member of several organizations including YPO and International Women’s Forum and has chaired several industry boards and focus groups. She sits on the Board of the UN Global Compact Network Canada and Chair’s the Programming Committee. She is the Chair of the YPO Sustainable Business Network, a cohort for Singularity University and a Harvard University Alumni for the Advanced Leadership Initiative.  Desirée is involved in mentorship programs in her community and through Women’s Executive Network. Desirée is a CIAC Certified Strategic Leader and earned both an Executive MBA through Queen’s Smith School of Business and her Certificate of Social Impact from Queens University. She is the recipient of the 30% Club Scholarship for Queens. 

Get Connected With Milena:

https://ww.aspiHer.com/

https://www.nexusexhibits.com/

https://www.instagram.com/milena_radakovic/

Get Connected With Desirée:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireebombenon/

https://www.instagram.com/desireebombenon/

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

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• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city. Our guest is Karissa Shemonichek. Karissa is deeply passionate about building strong connections  and understanding your needs and dreams.  Bringing mindfulness, compassion, and integrity to the soulful experience of designing spaces for you to thrive, heal and grow in.

Get Connected With Karissa:

https://www.pleiadianhome.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissa-shemonichek-323b2a73?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

https://www.instagram.com/pleiadian.healing?igsh=MWM5MHVieXY4c3Bxcw==

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city. Today, our guest is Pat Ottmann, a seasoned publisher and the force behind the Business In Calgary magazine, to discuss his remarkable journey and the unique advantages that Calgary offers to business owners.

Get Connected With Pat:

https://businessincalgary.com/

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

Welcome to another episode of the Back to Business Podcast, where we connect with Calgary's industry leaders. Today, we sit down with Edward Callaway from Sonic Coaching Partners to explore essential principles for business development and growth. Bringing 20+ years’ experience coaching and developing diverse teams, Edward has a passion for helping people succeed. His business turnaround experience and reputation as a fixer provides him with the understanding of what it takes to guide a team from survive to thrive. Edward studied Criminology at MRU before transitioning into sales and retail management. He moved to BC and lived there for 15 years, working at the GM and Director level for several large international companies. After returning to Calgary, he sought to bring his management abilities to the Transportation industry and worked on leadership in that sector.

Get Connected With Edward:

https://www.soniccoaching.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-callaway-a14011ba/

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Shaikh, a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada. Mike discusses the importance of community service, diversity, equity, and inclusion in business, and how each of us can contribute to making our neighborhoods safer and more connected. He also shares his inspiring journey from Pakistan to Calgary, emphasizing the importance of education and community. With a background in business and a profession as a chartered accountant, Mike highlights how Calgary has been a hub of entrepreneurial spirit since he arrived in the early 70s.

Get Connected With Mike:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-shaikh-fca-cm-bb670911/?originalSubdomain=ca

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

Leah Fink is a reputable figure in the realm of workplace mental health and employee well-being. With a robust background in social work, complemented by extensive experience in addiction and mental health, Leah brings a practical and informed perspective to the table. Hailing from Calgary, she holds a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape, allowing her to provide valuable insights into the impact of industry fluctuations on workplace culture. Leah's expertise lies in implementing strategies for effective workplace communication and integrating mental well-being into business practices, making her a trusted source for business leaders and owners aiming to enhance workplace culture and employee well-being.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover strategies to create a happier, healthier workplace environment for increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Understand the impact of effective leadership on employee mental health and well-being for a more engaged and motivated team.
• Learn effective communication strategies to foster a positive and cohesive workplace culture, leading to improved collaboration and productivity.
• Explore the benefits of integrating mental well-being into business practices for a more supportive and thriving work environment.
• Navigate intergenerational dynamics in the workplace to foster understanding and collaboration among employees of different age groups.

Get Connected With Leah:

https://allthrive.ca/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-fink-all-thrive/

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

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 roadside assistance industry firsthand, leading him to create a disruptive digital platform. Reflecting on his journey, Temi emphasizes the profound impact of mentorship. His first boss recognized his potential, guiding him towards sales and marketing, ultimately shaping his entrepreneurial endeavors. Temi's story serves as a compelling testament to the transformative influence of mentorship in career development. It resonates with young professionals, illuminating the value of seeking guidance and building meaningful connections to unlock new opportunities and navigate career transitions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering the transition from academia to entrepreneurship: Unlock the secret to leveraging your education for business success.
• Building a digital platform for roadside assistance: Discover the key to revolutionizing roadside services through digital innovation.
• Strategies for young professionals to build networks: Uncover the powerful tactics to expand your professional circle and elevate your career.
• Importance of mentorship in business development: Unveil the game-changing impact of mentorship on your journey to business success.
• Innovations in electric vehicle roadside services: Explore the cutting-edge advancements in electric vehicle roadside assistance.

Get Connected With Temi:

https://www.roadaider.ca

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/temiokes

Use code "road20" to get 20% off on a plan with Road Aider!

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

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 populations in India. Her work at PCHS focuses on providing mental health services for South Asian immigrants, encompassing addiction support, family therapy, and individual and group therapy. With a passion for grassroots community support, Sherri's insights into the challenges of cultural adaptation and mental health struggles faced by newcomers in Calgary are invaluable.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective ways to support immigrants in Canada and enhance their mental well-being.
• Explore specialized mental health services tailored to the unique needs of immigrants.
• Learn strategies for cultural adaptation to support newcomers settling in Calgary.
• Understand the legal support available for immigrants in Alberta and how to access it.
• Engage with the South Asian immigrant community to foster inclusivity and support.

Get Connected With Sherri:

https://www.pchscalgary.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pchscalgary/?originalSubdomain=ca

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub

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. Additionally, Melissa's impactful leadership at Junior Achievement, where she spearheaded fund development and later assumed the CEO role, underscores her profound commitment to community service. With an impressive background in nonprofit growth and community outreach, Melissa From brings invaluable expertise to the discussion on addressing food insecurity in Calgary. Her wealth of experience and strategic acumen position her as a pivotal voice in advocating for sustainable solutions to combat food scarcity in our city.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore how supporting Calgary community food scarcity can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
• Discover the impactful role of Calgary Petroleum Club Bank in addressing food insecurity and creating positive change in the community.
• Uncover exciting nonprofit sector career opportunities that allow you to make a real difference in the fight against food insecurity in Calgary.
• Learn effective strategies for addressing food insecurity in Calgary and how you can play a part in this important cause.
• Find out about valuable collaboration opportunities for Calgary businesses to contribute to the fight against food insecurity and make a positive impact in the community.

Get Connected With Melissa:

https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com

https://www.instagram.com/calgaryfoodbank/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/melissa_from_ab/?hl=en

Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and membership opportunities.

• https://calpeteclub.com/
• https://twitter.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgary-petroleum-club-3a5868117/
• https://www.facebook.com/calpeteclub
• https://www.youtube.com/user/calpeteclub