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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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In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the remarkable journey of revitalizing the Calgary International Film Festival with our guest, Steve Schroeder, a seasoned arts leader who took the helm during a financial crisis and steered the festival to unprecedented success.

Get ready for a captivating conversation as we explore:

• The bold strategies that turned around a struggling festival
• The secrets behind record-breaking audience numbers and revenues
• The magic of achieving Oscar-qualifying status for short films
• How a hybrid model kept the festival thriving through the pandemic

We also uncover our guest’s earlier achievements at One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre, where innovative programming and strategic growth made it a leading arts organization.

Packed with insider stories, strategic insights, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about arts leadership and the transformative power of culture.

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Join us on this episode of "Transitions in Leadership" as we delve into the dynamic career of Cheryll Watson, the CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta. Cheryll’s journey from supporting small businesses at Intuit to enhancing Edmonton's entrepreneurial ecosystem is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how she founded Innovate Edmonton, ran for Mayor in 2021, and later spearheaded the opening of STEM Collegiate, where she now serves as the inaugural Board Chair. We’ll explore her dedication to empowering youth for financial success, her passion for mental health, education, and environmental initiatives, and her vision for a vibrant downtown Edmonton. Tune in to hear Cheryll’s insights on career transitions, leadership, and community impact.

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Join us on this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged as we welcome Diane Wheatley, a proven leader with over 30 years of experience. Diane, the Managing Partner of Humanis in Edmonton, shares her inspiring career transition from senior management in finance and lending with one of Canada's top banks to her current role overseeing all corporate functions at Humanis.

We'll delve into Diane's decade-long tenure as Chief Administrative Officer at a national HR talent management firm, where she played a pivotal role in the organization's growth and successful acquisition. Diane's deep involvement in the Edmonton community, including her work with the Festival of Trees Foundation and the Medical Admission Review Group at the University of Alberta, highlights her dedication to giving back.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about leadership, career evolution, and community impact with the remarkable Diane Wheatley. Tune in to learn from her extensive experience and valuable insights on managing corporate functions, strategic planning, and contributing to the local community.

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In this episode, we sit down with Chantel Butt, the driving force behind Covalency Coaching, to explore the transformative world of psychometric assessments and personal development. Join us as we delve into Chantel's journey, her passion for coaching, and the innovative techniques she uses to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Whether you're curious about the science behind psychometric tests or eager to learn more about Covalency Coaching's unique approach, this conversation promises to be insightful and inspiring. Tune in to discover how Chantel and her team are making a difference in the world of personal and professional growth.

Learn more about Covalency Coaching here: https://www.covalencycoaching.com/ 

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