The Ampersand - Unplugged

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The Ampersand Unplugged brings you an audio version of our March 2026 edition of The Ampersand, read aloud by the author. This month’s piece explores the value of patience, discipline, and the quiet work behind lasting results—from building a backyard rink to building a business, and everything in between. It’s a thoughtful reflection on why process matters, especially when outcomes are unpredictable. 

You can find the full written blog on our website here. 

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The Ampersand Unplugged brings you an audio version of our December 2025 edition of The Ampersand, read aloud by the author. This month’s piece reflects on change, continuity, and the quiet ways our perspectives evolve over time in our work, our careers, and our lives. It’s a thoughtful look at how much shifts, how much stays the same, and what those patterns reveal as one chapter gives way to the next.

You can find the full written blog on our website here.

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Welcome to Season 5 of The Ampersand Unplugged. This season, we’re doing something a little different. While Kiara Tyler—the creative force behind our first four seasons—is away on maternity leave, Adam Pekarsky will be bringing you audio readings of our monthly Ampersand blog posts.

For 17 years, The Ampersand has landed in inboxes as a written reflection on work, leadership, community, and the everyday questions that shape our professional lives. Season 5 translates those essays from page to sound—no interviews, no hot takes, just the original pieces read aloud, designed to keep you company during the in-between moments of your day.

Whether you’ve been a longtime reader or you’re discovering The Ampersand for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Think of these as quiet, thoughtful audio companions — something to listen to while walking the dog, sitting in traffic, or staring out an airplane window. Thanks for reading, thanks for listening, and welcome to a new season!

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For those who prefer to listen, The Ampersand Unplugged brings you an audio version of our February 2026 edition of The Ampersand, read aloud by the author himself, Adam Pekarsky. This month’s piece reflects on decision-making, missed opportunities, and the enduring question of “what if?"—from large-scale civic moments to the quieter choices leaders face every day.

You can find the full written blog on our website here.

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As we bring Season 4 of The Ampersand - Unplugged to a close, it’s time to step back and reflect on the journey we’ve been on with Candidate Confessionals. In this final episode, we take an honest look at the highs and the lows, admitting a few things. From our favorite episodes to the lessons learned along the way, we discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what’s in store for Season 5. Tune in as we pull back the curtain and give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how we're planning to make next season our best one yet!

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In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Max Dawson, an expert in executive recruitment and a fellow Partner at the Humanis Edmonton office, Max has over a decade of experience navigating North America’s corporate and sporting landscape. A former three-sport varsity athlete, Max’s journey took him from the field to the boardroom, earning an MBA in Sports Management from Griffith University, and eventually working in Corporate Partnerships with the Edmonton Oilers.

In this candid conversation, Max reflects on his career transitions, the lessons learned from sports, and the values he instills in his daughters, Stella and Ada. We also explore his work on the board of Luge Canada and how he continues to bring his passion for sport into both his personal and professional life.

Join us as we explore Max’s fascinating career journey, the theme of this season, and how he continues to bridge the gap between the sporting and corporate worlds.

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In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Alisha Reynolds, the new President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. Joining the organization in June 2024, Alisha brings a wealth of experience from her time at Northland Properties Corporation, where she held senior leadership roles across the hotel and restaurant industries, including Sandman Hotel Group, Moxies, and Chop. With a career spanning hospitality, law, banking, and even golf and country clubs, Alisha's passion for hospitality shines through in every facet of her leadership.

We dive into her career journey, what it means to manage large-scale operations, and how she balances it all with being a wife and mom of three. Tune in to hear Alisha’s inspiring story, her vision for Calgary’s tourism, and her love for the city’s best coffee shops and weekend spots!

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In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Lucia Juliao, the Partnerships Director at the Calgary International Film Festival. Lucia's path to the arts was anything but conventional. Growing up near Toronto, she pursued a career in Engineering, driven by her aptitude for math and science. After nearly a decade in the engineering field, Lucia decided to make a bold career shift. Now, with nearly six years at CIFF, she reflects on her journey from technical precision to creative passion and the fulfillment she’s found in the non-profit arts sector. Join us as Lucia shares her story of reinvention and the power of pursuing what truly resonates.

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On this week’s episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with Matt Mayer, Founder of the Arete Initiative and sessional instructor at the Haskayne School of Business. Pronounced ah-reh-tay, the term was used in Ancient Greece and can be considered as the confluence of moral virtue and excellence. Arete is the “act of living up to one’s highest potential.”

As a leading expert in the area of 21st century organizational systems, structures and strategies, Matt walks us through a sort of level-setting exercise around the very broad topic of ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance - in every facet of our lives. We establish some agreed upon definitions, review some real-life case studies and generally allow Kiara — the Hermione Granger of our Podcast — to show she paid attention in Matt’s class as she peppers him with questions about Backcasting, Impact Business Models, and B Corp Certified organizations. 

We learned a lot from this very interesting conversation (with apologies to some audio difficulties) and we hope you do too!

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In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Nicole Springer, Managing Director at Xylem, who has transformed a local MNC subsidiary into a global powerhouse across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Israel, and Greece. Nicole's journey from general counsel to a visionary business leader is a testament to her passion for people, growth, and sustainable success. 

Join us as we delve into Nicole's unique approach to leadership, her love for empowering others, and her insights on expanding into new markets while maintaining a strong foundation in authentic and empathetic leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, Nicole's story will inspire you to embrace change, take risks, and lead with purpose.

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