The Ampersand - Unplugged

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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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In this episode, we sit down with Raj Bhatti, a Partner at Humanis Edmonton, to explore his impressive career journey and gather insights into the recruitment industry. Raj shares his experiences from over a decade in search-related roles, starting with his work in a global firm where he specialized in placing senior-level professionals in accounting, finance, and business systems.

In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the concept of fractional recruitment, an innovative approach that allows companies to access top-tier talent on a part-time or project basis. Raj explains the importance of fractional recruitment in today’s dynamic business environment and educates listeners on how it can provide flexible, scalable solutions to meet various organizational needs. 

Tune in to gain valuable career insights from Raj Bhatti, a leader in the recruitment industry, and learn how his journey can inspire your own professional path.

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Welcome back to The Ampersand: Unplugged! We're thrilled to be back after a hiatus, and let us tell you, these past few months have been quite the journey. In this episode, we're excited to finally reveal what we've been up to lately! This season, we're diving deep into candid conversations with both our clients and candidates. It's all about revealing the raw truths of career transitions, navigating the traditional career trajectory, and much more in our new series titled "Candidate Confessionals".

But before we delve into the juicy details, we want to extend a warm welcome back to all of our listeners. Get ready for a season filled with honesty, inspiration, and insightful discussions!

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In this season finale episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had during Season 3, where we dove deep into the world of ESG and its profound importance in today's business landscape. From exploring sustainability initiatives to discussing ethical investing and corporate social responsibility, it's been a season filled with eye-opening insights and inspiring conversations.

Join us as we recap some of the most memorable moments from Season 3, share key takeaways, and discuss the impact these discussions have had on our perspective. We'll also express our gratitude to our amazing listeners and guests who have made this season a remarkable success - we couldn't do this without you! 

PS: get ready for an exciting sneak peek into Season 4 as we tease what's coming next. Thank you for being part of our podcast family, and we can't wait to continue this incredible journey with you. Stay tuned!

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As we draw the curtains on another enlightening season of The Ampersand: Unplugged, join us for a special wrap-up episode with Christy Elliott, SVP, Sustainability, External Affairs & General Counsel at Keyera. Together, Christy and our co-hosts dive deep into the world of ESG strategy and overall business sustainability. Throughout this season, we've explored the intricacies of ESG, from its origins to its current prominence in the global financial landscape. In this final installment, we bring it all together, reflecting on the key takeaways and offering a comprehensive look at each aspect of ESG.

In this episode, we discuss the interplay between these three pillars of ESG. How do environmental, social, and governance considerations intersect, and what does that mean for investors? We'll also examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as ESG continues to evolve. 

Join us for a great episode with a great and knowledgable person to wrap this season up with!

Learn more about Keyera at https://www.keyera.com/ 

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As we begin to close this season off, we have Matt Mayer, Founder of Arete Initiative, an organization whose mission is to help people and organizations live up to their highest potential through strategy, innovation and organizational excellence. The clients and initiatives that Arete works with are driven by realizing a sustainable future for people, planet and profit, and Arete Initiative a proud certified B Corp.

As we chat with Matt, discover the significance of each ESG pillar: how companies address environmental concerns, embrace social responsibility, and enhance governance structures. We'll explore why ESG matters not only for the well-being of our planet and society but also for the long-term viability of businesses.

Delve into the intricate systems used in ESG strategy through learning how companies collect, analyze, and disclose ESG-related data, and how investors and stakeholders use this information to make informed decisions.

Matt shares insights into best practices for integrating ESG principles into business models and we explore real-world examples of companies that have successfully implemented ESG strategies and the positive outcomes of these.

To get in touch with Matt check out their website at: https://www.areteinitiative.ca/ or email at: [email protected] 

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In an era marked by the pressing need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, the significance of Indigenous relations in the realm of ESG cannot be overstated. 

Join us in this enlightening episode with the Vice President, External Affairs at Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Sarah Schwann, as we delve into the profound intersection of Indigenous communities, corporate responsibility, and the energy transition. Sarah is a distinguished speaker from a leading energy transportation and midstream service company and brings invaluable insights into how forging respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples is not only ethically imperative but also strategically integral to the successful navigation of the evolving energy landscape.

As we navigate the intricate pathways of the energy transition, collaboration with Indigenous communities emerges as a cornerstone of responsible corporate conduct. Sarah sheds light on the ways in which Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and land rights play an essential role in shaping environmentally conscious business practices. We explore the symbiotic relationship between Indigenous stakeholders and the broader goals of ESG. 

Join us to discover how fostering a harmonious coexistence with Indigenous peoples can propel the oil and gas industry toward a greener and more inclusive energy future.

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