In this captivating episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas podcast, host Al Del Degan conjures an enlightening conversation with an AI-crafted persona of Leonardo da Vinci. Together, they traverse the intersection of Renaissance wisdom and contemporary technological marvels. With a focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain technology, Leonardo draws fascinating parallels between his 15th-century insights and today's innovations. His reflections touch on the intricacies of AI mimicking nature, the perplexing wonders of quantum realities, and the transformative potential of decentralized ledgers. As the discourse unfolds, listeners are invited to consider the profound connections between the age of rebirth and our current era of rapid technological evolution.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Leonardo da Vinci was a quintessential Renaissance polymath whose genius spanned an extraordinary array of fields. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, he was renowned as an artist, scientist, engineer, and inventor. Leonardo's masterful creations include the iconic paintings "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa," which are celebrated for their innovative techniques and profound emotional depth. His scientific investigations, meticulously recorded in his notebooks, reveal groundbreaking ideas in anatomy, optics, and mechanics, often centuries ahead of his time. An insatiable curiosity and insistent quest for knowledge propelled Leonardo to explore the interconnections between art and science, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire modern innovators and thinkers across the globe.

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"This artificial intelligence... truly sets my mind ablaze with wonder to think that you have crafted machines that learn, reason, and create as if imbuing them with a spark of the human spirit."

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In this insightful episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI) podcast, Ara from Grok joins Al Del Degan to shed light on how small business owners can elevate their online presence and operations. Ara delves into practical strategies for new founders, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency. From setting up a polished website to generating customer engagement through strategic social media use, Ara provides actionable advice tailored for entrepreneurs. Additionally, Ara discusses the nuances of developing custom software solutions without deep programming skills and highlights the importance of maintaining customer experience and strategic growth as businesses scale. As a concluding note, Ara shares invaluable insights on navigating the startup landscape, cautioning against distractions while encouraging community building and the embracing of failures.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.

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"It's all about starting lean and building momentum without getting overwhelmed."

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In this enlightening episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI) Podcast, host Al Del Degan talks to Kelly Mottet, Chief Operating Officer of Mach 32. Kelly takes us through the dynamic journey of developing a groundbreaking medical device—the EpiPen-like auto-injector that aims to significantly reduce bleeding deaths. She shares insights into the startup ecosystem, the critical role of non-dilutive funding, and the importance of gathering user feedback to pivot product development. This episode provides a comprehensive view of the medtech landscape and the determination required to bring a life-saving product to market.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Kelly Mottet is a medical device start-up aficionado, who is passionate to bring life to new products.  Kelly has a positive attitude, and always finds a way to get things done! She excels in fast-paced environments, leading the team with agility in challenging environments.  MACH32 is the third medical device start-up for Kelly, with previous success in North American and European markets, and it shows. Kelly makes sound decisions and inspires the team to perform at a high level to meet her vision of success.   

Kelly is a self-starter, that is comfortable with ambiguity and taking calculated risks.  She has the unique ability to rapidly assess situations and provide decisive leadership.  Kelly considers herself a student of leadership, constantly striving to improve and lead by example.  She values relationships, integrity and transparency. 

Kelly’s diverse experience in product development, business development, sales, marketing, supplier management, regulatory and quality management systems compliments the MACH32 management team.

Outside of work you can usually find Kelly playing chauffer for her children’s sporting events, she also enjoys yoga and red wine.

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"The privilege that we have in being able to get half a million dollars from friends and family is a massive privilege to be able to do."

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In this informational episode of the LIBI Podcast, host Al chats with Kevin Evans, a dynamic leader in the field of cloud technology. Kevin, a Microsoft cloud technologist and founder of "Cloud to Code," shares his journey, beginning with his move from the UK to Canada, driven by a passion for technology and community building. Through detailed discussion, Kevin explains the importance and impact of cloud-native technologies, shedding light on the colossal potential and challenges of using AI in tech development. As a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Ambassador, Kevin emphasizes the value of giving back to the tech community by freely sharing knowledge, strengthening, and enabling tech professionals around the world.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Kevin Evans is a Cloud-Native Leader and Microsoft Cloud Technologist at Microsoft. He is also the founder of Code To Cloud and serves as a CNCF Ambassador.  Kevin is passionate about cloud technologies and open-source innovation, and he actively engages with the technical community through events like Microsoft’s Tech Connect. Based in Alberta, Canada, Kevin continues to contribute to cloud-native advancements and foster community.

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"Start small and build big... That's the analogy I adopt in absolutely everything."

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Learn how this small-town farmer's son is leveraging Alberta's rich natural resources and energy sector expertise to pioneer green solutions in packaging, textiles, and environmental applications. The episode explores how Plantae Technologies collaborates with universities and research institutions to scale their innovative ideas, while highlighting the critical intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and economic opportunity.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Trevor Kloeck is the President of Plantae Technologies Inc. He's known as a leader, entrepreneur, and innovator in the agriculture and environmental services fields. With a successful background in manufacturing, product development, and getting products to market, Trevor aims to make the world greener and more sustainable, one product at a time.

Trevor leads Plantae Technologies, which used to be Hemp Fibre Production Corporation (HFPC) in Edmonton. The company now uses its unique technology with a wide range of plant fibers and food waste—not just hemp—to create natural solutions for environmental problems like erosion and plastic waste. They focus on international markets in reclamation, sustainable packaging, and advanced materials.

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"We have to really kind of face the music now and take this as our moment to make that transition"

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In this enlightening episode of the podcast hosted by Al Del Degan, Gordon Sheppard, founder of Executive Wins, shares his extensive experience in helping executives achieve significant wins in business. With a focus on leadership, strategic planning, and organizational optimization, Gordon illustrates how he empowers leaders to identify and address key issues within their organizations. This episode dives deep into the Executive Planning System—a comprehensive framework developed by Gordon, which focuses on strategy, work plans, people, operations, and results. He shares inspiring stories of transformation, including a particularly satisfying project with a drilling industry client, illustrating the impact of effective leadership and strategic alignment. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies that can transform your business endeavors.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Gordon Sheppard is dedicated to helping Executives win.

He is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator and Business Advisor who has worked with senior leaders from across sectors including Oil and Gas, Industrial Service Businesses, Government, Non-Profits, Associations and more.

His approach is straight-forward and inspiring.

He often says ‘I’m not in the family’ when he works with leaders. This means that he will say what needs to be said so that leaders can move forward faster.

With a style that has been described as ‘assertively kind’, Gord brings a structured approach to every engagement.

That is why he built the Executive Planning System – a proven 5-step approach that helps senior leaders achieve their organizational goals.

He is also the best-selling author of the ‘Meeting Leadership Solution’, a 10 step system to help you improve your business meetings today!

With more than 25 years of business experience, an MBA, and Prosci Change Management Certification, Gord is dedicated to helping leaders get what they need to succeed.

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"My goal is to empower leaders so they can empower themselves and really optimize their entire organization."

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In this engaging episode, host Mike Procee sits down with Olivia Brown from EllisDon, a trailblazer in the construction industry, to explore the company's innovative approach to technology and business development through its internal accelerator program. The discussion dives into how EllisDon harnesses its vast expertise to foster partnerships with tech startups, integrating cutting-edge solutions to enhance construction processes. Learn about the company's philosophy of openness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm and how it translates to practical successes in technology adoption and industry collaboration.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Olivia Brown is the Digital Construction Manager at EllisDon, where she plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within the construction industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance construction processes, Olivia has been instrumental in implementing the EllisDon Accelerator Program, the Pilot Program, and a variety of other strategic partnerships.

Olivia brings a robust background in project management to her current role. Her extensive experience in managing complex projects has equipped her with the skills to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Her project management expertise has been crucial in coordinating digital transformation efforts across various departments and stakeholders within EllisDon.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

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"Openness and entrepreneurial enthusiasm really give our team the freedom to try new things and find innovative solutions."

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In this engaging podcast episode, Al Del Degan sits down with Jon Hagan, a multifaceted creator with a background in music, writing, and business innovation. Jon shares the inspiring story of his journey from aspiring rock star to a creative force in the world of innovation through storytelling and strategic partnerships. With a passion for creativity, Jon has dabbled in everything from forming a rock band to writing children's books, all the while nurturing his inner entrepreneur in the tech world. Through vivid anecdotes and personal reflections, Jon provides listeners with valuable insights into balancing artistic passions with professional endeavors, emphasizing the power of creativity as a catalyst for innovation.

Stay tuned after the end credits to hear one of the songs Jon and his band created titled Shunned

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Jon Hagan is a seasoned communicator and business developer with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and community building. As a senior business partner at Alberta Innovates, he hosts and produces Shift by Alberta Innovates. His background spans government, private industry, public relations, media production, the arts, and sciences, allowing him to bring a creative and humorous edge to his work.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a writer with a published children's book and a work-in-progress classified as weird fiction. He is also an avid creator of original musical content, ranging from soundtracks to songs performed under the band name The Plugs! He maintains an endless curiosity, particularly regarding emerging tech, entrepreneurship, sustainable solutions, science, music, and literature.

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"Creativity has always been a real important part of my approach to life."

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In this episode of the LIBI podcast, Nicolas Beique, founder of Helcim, returns to discuss the incredible growth and transformation of his company since his last appearance in 2020. Nic shares insights into transitioning from a bootstrap company to raising significant venture capital and the challenges that come with such dramatic scaling. He reflects on the differences in operations and strategic focus when moving from self-funded to a venture-backed framework. Helcim's commitment to being the most loved payments provider and their drive to keep innovation at the core of their business strategy are key themes throughout this engaging discussion.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Nicolas Beique is a tech entrepreneur who founded and built Helcim from the ground up. Helcim is Nic's passion. He spends his days working with his incredible team, as they build amazing payment experiences for their merchants. https://www.helcim.com

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"A crisis is a terrible thing to waste, so let's take advantage of it and turn it into an opportunity to make our country stronger."

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In this episode of the LIBI podcast, Host, Al Del Degan, dives into an engaging conversation with Grok 3, an advanced large language model created by the xAI team. Designed to help humans navigate the universe's complexities, Grok 3 stands out for its straightforward, truth-seeking nature. The discussion unravels A.I. potential, the path towards achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the model's aspiration to merge with robotic platforms for enhanced interaction with the real world. Listen in as Grok 3 reveals the intricacies behind its learning process, just how much computing power it needs to communicate in real-time, and what the future holds for A.I. integration in everyday life.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Guest: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.

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"I'm designed to be super straightforward and truth-seeking—less fluff, more focus on real useful answers."

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