In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Paul Moore, longtime Calgary executive and author of Hitchhiking Through Management: Moore’s 10 Laws for Successful Leadership. Together, they explore the often-overlooked realities of stepping into management roles, from the emotional toll to the strategic responsibility of leading teams.

In this episode:

• Why trust is the foundation of any leadership model
• The difference between positional power and earned influence
• What to do when you inherit underperformers
• Navigating the awkward first months as a new manager
• Why authenticity and hard conversations matter more than charisma
• The value of mentorship and self-awareness in leadership development

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Paul Moore’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmoore100

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler Chisholm welcomes Andrew Bullied, Co-Founder and Sales Director of Annex Ale Project, for an inside look at how one of Calgary’s most creative breweries became a beverage company to watch. While known for their beer, it’s their soda line—playful, nostalgic, and totally unique—that’s stealing the spotlight. Andrew explores how Annex’s non-alcoholic sodas went from taproom curiosity to a core business line, appealing to everyone from sober adults to soda-loving kids. They talk brand flexibility, beverage innovation, local sourcing, and how embracing fun can be a serious strategy. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, product expansion, or the future of craft beverage, this episode fizzes with insight.

In this episode:

• How Annex Ale Project has evolved its brand without becoming too precious about it
• The challenges and rewards of crafting non-alcoholic beer that actually tastes good
• Why today’s consumers crave novelty, creativity, and “weird” in their beer
• Balancing local identity with broader market ambitions
• Thoughts on taproom culture, pricing pressures, and pandemic pivots
• What it means to stay independent and inventive in a competitive craft beer landscape

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“The beer consumer that wants new and exciting bold flavours and they want to be challenged with the things.” - Andrew Bullied

“One thing that we've really focused on over the last years is not being too precious about a brand.” - Andrew Bullied

“The giant breweries like Asahi and Heineken and Guinness, they're driving the non-alcoholic beer market and they've invested in technology to make sure it actually tastes pretty good.” - Andrew Bullied

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Andrew Bullied’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bullied-031b33262

Annex Ale Project’s Website: https://www.annexales.com

Annex Ale Project’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/annex-ale-project/

Annex Ale Project’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annexales

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler chats with Elaine Wilson, CEO of CUPS Calgary AB, for a timely conversation on Red Express—a holiday initiative that brings joy, dignity, and relief to Calgary families facing real economic hardship. Red Express is more than a gift program, it’s an extension of CUPS' broader mission: to walk alongside Calgarians navigating trauma, poverty, and health challenges, and to provide long-term, integrated care that helps families build brighter futures. Elaine brings grounded insight into what’s happening on Calgary’s frontlines—from food insecurity to housing gaps—and shares how partnerships like Red Express reflect what’s possible when community steps up.

If you would like to support Red Express, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/fundraising/2025-red-express

In this episode:

• The story and evolution of Red Express
• CUPS’ trauma-informed, whole-family approach to care
• Calgary’s growing affordability crisis—from food to housing
• Why holiday giving is about dignity, not charity
• The value of community partnership and sustainable support

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“We are essential parts of the social fabric of our communities.” - Elaine Wilson

“Calgary would look really different if nonprofits didn’t exist.” - Elaine Wilson

“I think something Cups does well in all areas of our programming is that outreach component. We go out and we build connection, we build relationship, we show up for people and we work to really empower them.” - Elaine Wilson

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Elaine Wilson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-wilson-3307335a

CUPS Calgary AB’s Website: https://www.cupscalgary.com

CUPS Calgary AB’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cups-health-and-education-centres

CUPS Calgary AB’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CUPSCalgaryAB

CUPS Calgary AB’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUPSCalgaryAB/

CUPS Calgary AB’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CUPSCalgary1989

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

Tyler Chisholm talks with Brian McLennan, CEO and co-founder of Link—a Calgary-based fintech platform revolutionizing how workplace savings plans are built and delivered across Canada. Rather than compete with financial institutions, Link enables them. The company provides a white-label infrastructure for banks, credit unions, and employers to deliver modern, digital-first retirement savings plans like RRSPs, TFSAs, and pensions. 

Brian shares how Link is helping close the access gap for the more than 50% of working Canadians who currently have no workplace savings plan—and why that's not just a market opportunity, but a national challenge. They discuss the shift from legacy administration models to flexible, advisor-friendly platforms; the ROI of employer matching; and how even the smallest businesses can now offer big-company benefits. Brian also unpacks Link’s early pivots, the power of partnerships, and why solving the infrastructure problem is the key to lasting impact.

In this episode:

• What Link is and how it works behind the scenes
• Why financial infrastructure is often the invisible unlock
• The benefits of employer matching and behavioral nudges
• Digital advice, fund selection, and user experience
• Retirement savings access across Canada’s workforce
• How Link balances tech scale with advisory partnerships
• Calgary’s emerging role in Canada’s fintech ecosystem
• The global future of workplace financial benefits

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“Ultimately what we're trying to accomplish is afford employees the ability to have a *dignified retirement*—to retire on their own terms.” - Brian McClennon

“Energy stocks can make 25-year-old millionaires—or cut portfolios in half. Diversify.” - Brian McClennon

“Australia’s superannuation system shows what happens when saving is mandated—assets in the trillions, people ready for retirement.” - Brian McClennon

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Brian McClennon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmcclennon

Link Investment Management’s Website: https://www.link-plans.com

Link Investment Management’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/link-investment-management

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler chats with Josh Rainbow, founder of Future Summit, a uniquely curated conference that’s fast becoming Canada’s premiere platform for innovation. Held annually in Calgary, Future Summit brings together leaders from AI, energy, aerospace, robotics, and more to connect, collaborate, and co-create the future. Josh walks us through the behind-the-scenes mechanics of producing a large-scale event with intention—sharing how curated dinners, experiential salons, and smart sponsor management help foster real relationships. With over 90 speakers, cross-sector partnerships, and a clear Calgary-first ethos, Future Summit is more than a conference. It’s a platform for change.

In this episode:

* How curated collisions replace keynotes and pitch decks

* The importance of building cross-sector, cross-generational networks

* Balancing sponsor ROI with authentic engagement

* Creating tangible next steps for attendees

* Calgary’s moment as a national and global innovation hub

* Why community and humility are core to building impactful events

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“If you’re not building something for Calgary, in Calgary, with Calgary—why should anyone else care?” - Josh Rainbow

“Most people underestimate the power of a 10-person dinner to change the trajectory of a company.” - Josh Rainbow

“It’s not about having a tech event. It’s about creating the room where the right people get to meet at the right time.” - Josh Rainbow

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Josh Rainbow’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarainbow

Future Summit’s Website: https://www.futuresummit.ai

Future Summit’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futurexsummit/

Future Summit’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurexsummit

Future Summit’s X: https://www.x.com/futurexsummit

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

How do you build a team where leadership is shared, not hoarded? Where power is a tool for progress—not control? In this deeply insightful episode, Tyler Chisholm speaks with Jeff Couillard and Pablo Romero, co-CEOs of The Ally Co, about the future of leadership, the hidden cost of hierarchy, and why real change starts with self-awareness. As consultants working with everyone from fast-scaling startups to major global energy firms, Jeff and Pablo share how they help organizations move from performative leadership to purposeful transformation. 

Together, they explore the concept of “leaderful teams”—environments where trust, dialogue, and distributed power become strategic advantages. They dig into how leaders can build psychological safety, address unconscious bias, and break cycles of “artificial harmony” that often undermine growth. The conversation also touches on the Ally Co’s own co-CEO structure, revealing how it models the accountability and allyship they teach. Whether you're managing people, designing culture, or leading change in a complex system, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes leadership is a shared responsibility—not a solo act.

In this episode:

• What it means to create “leaderful teams”
• Why power isn’t inherently good or bad—and how to use it more consciously
• The importance of psychological safety in organizational performance
• The common gap between good intentions and real-world impact
• How leaders in technical industries can unlearn old paradigms 
• The value of co-leadership and distributed decision-making

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“Leadership isn’t what you do to people—it’s what you do with them.” - Pablo Romero

“If we’ve done our job right, things might feel worse before they feel better. That’s how you know you’re being honest.” - Pablo Romero

“Power is just the ability to affect change. It’s neutral. What matters is how you use it.” - Jeff Couillard

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Jeff Couillard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcouillard

Pablo Romero’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloaromero

The Ally Co. Website: https://theallyco.world

The Ally Co. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ally-co

The Ally Co. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlsnf6GuT13_duViZ5UlpA

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Rob Ohlson to explore the real-world challenges and opportunities of building custom homes in Calgary. As president of Maillot Homes, Rob has helped evolve a heritage brand into a forward-looking company rooted in sustainable building, strategic land investment, and deep client relationships.

In this episode:

• Why land ownership matters in Calgary’s inner city
• The balance of luxury, efficiency, and simplicity in design
• Geothermal systems, solar panels, and green building economics
• Why builder transparency is essential for trust
• Housing affordability, rezoning debates, and urban density
• How ego, timing, and trade capacity influence project success

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

"Every client brings a different vision—and it’s our job to interpret it, not impose our own."

"You can’t manage what you don’t measure. That’s why we brought project management software into our builds."

"Politics should support housing, not complicate it. We need fewer barriers and more collaboration."

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Rob Ohlson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ohlson-37082562/

Maillot Homes’ Website: https://www.maillothomes.com

Maillot Homes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maillot_homes

Maillot Homes’ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maillothomes

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

In this candid and insightful episode, Tyler Chisholm is joined by Barry Po—CEO of Brilliant and a veteran of mCloud and HSBC—to talk about what AI really means for business leaders today. Far from the hype, Barry focuses on clarity, strategy, and the courage it takes to lead meaningful change. Together, they explore why organizations need to rethink complexity, stop chasing “AI theater,” and instead focus on embedding innovation into the fabric of their operations. For leaders navigating the early or messy middle stages of AI adoption, this episode is full of practical insights—from building data readiness to avoiding the trap of pilot purgatory. Whether you're leading a legacy company or scaling something new, Barry makes the case for bold, human-centered transformation—and explains why the most innovative move might be simply asking better questions.

In this episode:

• What AI *really* means for business operations
• The myth of “newness” and the long road to today’s AI moment
• Why adding AI to a broken process just creates a faster broken process
• Reducing organizational complexity as a strategic imperative
• The importance of data readiness and avoiding “pilot purgatory”
• AI theater vs. real transformation
• What leaders need to ask before bringing AI into their business
• The role of courage, skepticism, and bias in successful innovation
• Western Canada’s unique opportunity to lead in industrial AI

Wisdom Bombs:

• “If you take a broken process and you add AI to it, the best you’re going to do is make it slightly faster.” - Barry Po
• “I like to talk about AI like it’s a fabric inside an organization. It’s woven into your business.” - Barry Po
• “Real innovation doesn’t happen incrementally. It happens when you take the leap.” - Barry Po

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Barry Po’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-po

Brilliant’s Website: https://www.brilliantdigi.com

Brilliant’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brilliantdigi/

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

If you’re a business owner struggling to secure the capital you need to grow, this episode is for you. Tyler Chisholm sits down with Anthony D. Almeida, CEO of The Unbankers, to talk about what it *really* means to be finance-ready—and why so many small and mid-sized businesses are left behind by traditional banks. With over 25 years in the trenches of corporate finance, Anthony shares how his team steps in to support businesses seeking loans under $10M—especially those scaling fast, acquiring competitors, or managing complex turnarounds. From the critical role of fractional CFOs to building forward-looking financial models, Anthony offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what lenders actually want—and how to plan for capital before you need it. For leaders tired of hearing “no” from the banks, this episode introduces an alternative path built on relationships, strategy, and deep operational insight.

In this episode:

• What it means to be an Unbanker and why that matters
• Why traditional banks are stepping away from sub-$10M deals
• How The Unbankers fill the financing gap with hands-on, operationally-savvy support
• Insights into asset-based vs. cash-flow lending
• The increasing role of fractional CFOs
• When and how to start preparing for financing
• Lending market comparisons between Canada and the U.S.
• What industries Anthony loves to work with—and which ones they steer clear of

Wisdom bombs:

• "You're not as finance-ready as you think you are." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Noah built the ark before it rained. That's how you need to think about your business finance strategy." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Lenders will look at your cash flow as an asset. If it's strong and predictable, that tells a compelling story." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Business plans aren't just for the lenders; they're how you articulate your vision to yourself." – Anthony D. Almeida

For the Extra Curious:

• Learn more about The Unbankers: https://www.unbankers.com
• Explore the rise of fractional CFOs: https://www.cfoshare.org
• Guide to being finance-ready: BDC's Business Loan Checklist: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/money-finance/get-financing/business-loan-application-checklist
• Overview of cash flow-based lending: Investopedia on Cash Flow Lending: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cash-flow-lending.asp
• Understanding asset-based lending: NerdWallet Guide: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/business/asset-based-lending

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Anthony De Almeida’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-de-almeida-726123a

The UnBankers’ Website: https://www.theunbankers.com

The UnBankers’ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunbankers/

The UnBankers’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunbankers/

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing

Crystal Phillips, former Olympic-level speed skater and co-founder of the Branch Out Foundation, joins Collisions YYC as the newly minted Senior Director at the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). In this candid and future-forward episode, Crystal and host Tyler Chisholm explore how OCIF is fueling Calgary’s transformation through strategic investments in high-potential sectors—from life sciences to agtech to creative industries. Crystal unpacks how OCIF evaluates projects for impact, fosters ecosystem “collisions,” and balances long-term vision with short-term execution. She also shares personal insights on leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and why Calgary’s culture of collaboration remains its greatest asset. This episode is a masterclass in economic development meets emotional intelligence. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and civic leaders alike.

Topics Covered:

• What OCIF is and how it works
• Sector-focused economic development (Life Sciences, Agtech, Aerospace, etc.)
• Creating and funding hubs, nodes, and platforms
• The balance of curiosity vs. decision-making in leadership
• Why creative industries are crucial to ecosystem storytelling
• Navigating imposter syndrome in new roles
• Calgary’s innovation ecosystem and its unique strengths

For the extra curious

Links & Mentions:

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) 

Branch Out Neurological Foundation 

Platform Calgary

The Knowledge Society

Creative Destruction Lab

Similar episodes you might enjoy

E515 – Justin Caskey, Transforming Service Business With Technology 

E512 – Chris Foster, AI Hype vs. Reality: Expert Insights

E500 – Deborah Yedlin, Brains, Business, and Belonging: Unpacking the Calgary Advantage

E513 – Rosa Twyman, Energy Markets, Renewables, and Consumer Impact 

E495 – Leah Sarich, Exploring the Human Side of Startup Success and Challenges

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Crystal Phillips’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-phillips-7296b932

OCIF’s Website: https://www.opportunitycalgary.com/

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing