In this episode of Not So Avg, Jordana Armstrong unpacks what it really means to drive social innovation—and why it’s critical for solving global challenges like climate change, inequality, and migration.

With experience spanning from Innovate Calgary to advisory roles in Maryland and D.C., Jordana brings a sharp, purpose-driven perspective on how community-led, integrated solutions can fuel real, lasting change.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌍 Why social innovation is the key to sustainable impact🏗️ How startup ecosystems and universities can better support changemakers🤝 The importance of diverse voices in economic development🔑 Jordana’s approach to leadership, mentorship, and defining success📈 The realities of navigating innovation across sectors and system.

This conversation is packed with insight for anyone building with purpose, leading with intention, or trying to create impact beyond the bottom line.

🎧 Listen now and explore what it means to innovate with heart and vision

In this episode of Not So Avg, master chocolatier Bernard Callebaut shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a lifetime in the chocolate industry. With family roots in chocolate dating back to 1911 in Belgium, Bernard built a thriving business in Calgary, only to lose it and rebuild not once, but twice.

Through hardship and reinvention, Bernard’s story is a powerful example of resilience, craftsmanship, and passion.

🍫 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌱 What makes high-quality chocolate. From cocoa bean to final product.

🤝 The importance of ethical sourcing, organic ingredients, and fair-trade practices.

🔥 How to bounce back from major business losses and start again. 🏗 The role of community, values, and reinvention in long-term success.

💡 Why curiosity and continuous learning fuel lasting creativity.

Now at the helm of Master Chocolat, Bernard is still pushing boundaries with handcrafted, small-batch chocolate rooted in quality and care. His journey proves that even after setbacks, it’s possible to rebuild something meaningful. Maybe even sweeter than before.

🎧 Listen now and discover what it takes to stay Not So Avg in business and life.

Where to find Bernard Callebaut:

https://www.masterchocolat.com/

In this episode of Not So Avg, Nicholas Beique, founder of Helcim, shares the journey behind one of Calgary’s standout FinTech companies. Built with the mission to level the playing field for small businesses, Helcim is redefining what it means to compete with giants by giving business owners access to powerful, transparent payments technology.

From coding websites as a teen to leading a company that’s reshaping commerce, Nicholas opens up about the real challenges and lessons that come with building something meaningful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🚀 The early days of Helcim and how it grew from idea to impact

🌎 Why Nicholas believes Canada can be a global tech leader by 2050

🏗 How to scale a company while protecting its culture and core values

💰 Thoughts on venture capital, sustainable growth, and staying mission-aligned

⚖️ The balance between ambition, leadership, and personal life

This is a conversation for builders, dreamers, and anyone bold enough to believe that small businesses deserve big opportunities.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired by the vision behind Helcim.

Books Referenced:

No Rules - Reed Hastings

Powerful - Patty McCord

The Innovator's Dilemma - Clayton M. Christensen

The Four Burners Theory:

https://jamesclear.com/four-burners-theory

The Innovator’s Dilemma:

https://duartem.medium.com/summary-of-the-innovators-dilemma-b2118bca8354

In this milestone episode of Not So Avg, we reflect on the biggest lessons from the first 20 episodes of the show. What started as a way to highlight the uncommon paths to success has turned into a powerful archive of real stories from everyday people doing extraordinary things.

From Olympians and CEOs to pilots, mentors, and creatives, this episode unpacks the most impactful themes that have emerged so far:

🔥 Redefining success on your own terms

💡 The power of passion and reinvention

🤝 Why community, reflection, and purpose matter

⚖️ Finding intentional balance and leading through service

This episode shares insights from past guests like Ray DePaul, Haley Daniels, Michael Sydoryk, and Mandy Balak, all of whom embody what it means to live a Not So Avg life.

This episode is both a look back and a launchpad for what’s ahead. More bold stories, more unconventional journeys, and more reminders that success is never one-size-fits-all.

🎧 Tune in and hear what these 20 voices have taught us so far.

In this episode of Not So Avg., we sit down with Michael Sydoryk, a self-taught wildlife painter who left chiropractic school to follow a creative path rooted in purpose and passion.

We explore how Michael turned uncertainty into opportunity, building a career that blends fine art, wildlife conservation, and personal storytelling. He opens up about the realities of navigating commissions, staying authentic on social media, and redefining success on his own terms (something that is constantly evolving).

From collaborations with the Calgary Zoo to painting pieces that tell more than just a visual story, Michael shares what it means to work with intention and trust the unknown.

This one is for anyone wrestling with what it means to live a life that actually feels like yours.

Where to find Michael Sydoryk:

• Instagram - wildform.art
• Website - https://sydorykfineart.com/

In this episode of Not So Avg., I sit down with Chef Mike Pigot, a force in Canada’s culinary scene and someone who has built his career on passion, precision, and people.

We dive into his journey from discovering a love for food early on to becoming a leader in local establishments and operations that span across the country. Mike shares how mentoring, teamwork, and leadership has shaped his path, and opens up about the burnout and breakthroughs that come with the territory.

From creating Pigot’s Burgers, Pasta La Mano, and Calgary’s hottest go-to spot, Pat and Betty’s, Mike offers an honest look at what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry, all while staying grounded in purpose.

Whether you're in the food world or just curious about what drives a creative leader, this episode is full of real talk, life lessons, and plenty of flavour.

Where to find Chef Pigot on Instagram:

@chefpigot

@patandbettys

@pastalamano

@pigotsburgerclub

This one’s for the dreamers building bold things with real heart.

In this episode of Not So Avg., I sit down with Alexandra Sangster, founder of The Sarjesa Group and Owner of BUZZD Nutrition, who started a purpose-driven company while still in university. From day one, Alexandra has been focused on more than profit. She’s reshaping the future of manufacturing in Alberta, building supply chains that empower women, and selling goods that make a difference.

We get into it all. The entrepreneurial highs and lows, focus on causes close to home, and the importance of community and mentorship when you're building something bigger than yourself.

Alexandra shares what it really looks like to lead with values, build through adversity, and never let go of the mission. Even when things get tough.

If you're building something meaningful or just looking for that push to start, this one’s for you.

🎧 Show Notes:

Get the tea here: https://sarjesa.com/

BUZZD Nutrition: https://www.buzzdnutrition.com/

Trico Foundation: https://tricofoundation.ca/

Trico Mindset Videos: https://tricofoundation.ca/you/

This week on Not So Avg., we sit down with Ray DePaul, a tech veteran turned educator who’s helped shape the future of entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. From his early days at BlackBerry to selling a company to Intel, Ray’s path proves that the most Not So Avg. journeys are built on risk, reflection, and reinvention.

🔥 What You'll Learn: 📱 Career-defining moments in tech and what they taught him 🎓 Why MBAs still matter—especially if you're not from a business background 💡 The value of mentorship, honest reflection, and knowing when to pivot ⚙️ Ray’s take on AI, partnerships, and building innovation into your life and work ⚖️ How he balances success with purpose and presence

This episode is packed with real stories and practical advice for anyone building something bold, especially those just starting out.

Show Notes:

Lenny’s Podcast - https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/podcast

Text to app coding - https://lovable.dev/

🎧 Listen now and tap into the wisdom of someone who’s been through it all.

In this episode of Not So Avg., we dive deep into a topic that affects everyone—stress and anxiety. These challenges show up in different ways for each of us, but one thing is universal: learning how to manage them can change everything.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: 🧠 Understanding stress & anxiety – How they’re connected and why they impact every part of life. ⚡ Personal struggles & real talk – The power of open conversations and setting boundaries. 🤝 Creating space for men’s mental health – Why vulnerability is strength. 🛠 Practical tools for managing stress – Breathing techniques, movement, and meditation to reset your mind.

Stress is inevitable—but suffering through it alone doesn’t have to be. This episode is packed with real, actionable ways to stay grounded, take control, and build resilience.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Episode: If You Struggle With Stress & Anxiety, This Will Change Your Life (feat. Mel Robbins)📺 Watch here

Mandy Balak doesn’t just build businesses—she builds movements. From founding Date Night & Branded Magazine, to creating The Well, The Gathering Summit and Rise Women’s Conference, Mandy has carved out a Not So Avg. path rooted in branding, community, and personal growth.

This episode dives into:

🔥 Why authenticity is the ultimate business strategy

🤝 How meaningful connections fuel personal & professional success

💡 The power of intentional living & staying aligned with your purpose

🙅‍♀️ Mandy’s “If it’s not a F*ck Yes, it’s a No” philosophy on decision-making.

Mandy’s journey proves that success isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about building something that truly aligns with who you are. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone striving for a life that feels Not So Avg., this episode will challenge you to think differently about success.

🔗 Where to find Mandy:

💼 LinkedIn: Mandy Balak

🌎 More about Mandy:

🎤 The Gathering Summit: The Gathering Festival

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