The Ampersand - Unplugged

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In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance practices in the marketing world, with a special focus on the importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within this framework. Join us as we explore how these three essential pillars are interwoven and crucial in shaping the future of responsible marketing.

Our guest, Lisa Genovese, President of BottomLine, leads professionals from the marketing sectors and sheds light on the undeniable connection between ESG and marketing all while highlighting the pivotal role EDI plays in driving positive change. We learn how ESG initiatives are no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Together, we examine the challenges and barriers faced by marketing professionals, and business owners, while implementing EDI in ESG and explore steps to overcome them. From fostering diverse talent within marketing departments, and organizations in general, to promoting inclusive campaigns and product development, Lisa provides valuable insights on cultivating a culture of equity and belonging. We uncover how ESG-focused consumers are seeking alignment with their values, and how businesses that prioritize EDI can attract a loyal and engaged customer base.

Tune in to this episode as we explore the symbiotic relationship between ESG and marketing, demonstrating that ethical practices are not just a trend but a crucial aspect of sustained success in the modern business landscape. 

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In this thought-provoking episode, our co-hosts delve into the captivating realm of the legal profession and explore the pressing issue of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Canadian legal sphere with Dr. Kellinde Wrightson, Executive Director of The Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program for the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary. 

Our focus? The experiences of foreign-trained lawyers who embark on a journey to practice law in Canada. Kellinde helps us navigate the complexities and challenges faced by talented legal professionals hailing from different corners of the globe, seeking to establish their careers in a new legal landscape. Discover firsthand accounts of triumphs, setbacks, and the transformative power of fostering a truly inclusive community. 

Throughout the episode, we unravel the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the law and its profound impact on both individual lawyers and the legal profession as a whole. We explore the barriers that foreign-trained lawyers often encounter, from navigating regulatory frameworks to cultural nuances and biases, and examine the consequential effects on access to justice and legal representation.

Whether you're a law enthusiast, a foreign-trained lawyer contemplating a move to Canada, or simply intrigued by the power of diversity within the legal sphere, this episode promises to ignite thought-provoking conversations and shed light on the vital importance of embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the law to build a more just and inclusive society.

Tune in now and embark on this enlightening journey as we shatter barriers and champion the cause of foreign-trained lawyers in Canada!

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In this edition of The Ampersand: Unplugged, co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with Sol Zia, the Executive Director of the Calgary Hotel Association. The discussion again focuses on our Season 3 topic of ESG, this time through the lens of the Tourism and Hospitality sector. While the sector has returned to form following two very difficult Covid years, the impact of ESG has forced the industry to adapt to the changing landscape and to balance the expectations of the traveller with the imperatives related to environmental sustainability. Proving yet again that ESG is all around is, regardless of industry. So, as the Calgary Stampede gets into full swing and Calgary’s hotels reach capacity, we hope you’ll enjoy this edition of the podcast.

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In this episode we embark on a journey into the heart of the ESG framework, shining a spotlight on the crucial environmental & governance aspects. Join us as we dive deep into the intricate web of sustainability, uncovering the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of our communities and businesses. 

Alan Ross, Managing Partner at one of Canada’s largest and oldest law firms, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, is our guest. Alan shares his insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and governance pillars within the ESG framework. We explore the challenges faced by businesses in aligning with sustainable practices and the opportunities that lie in implementing eco-friendly strategies. Tune in to this enlightening episode as we journey into the world of ESG with Alan. 

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*Disclaimer* We were having some technical difficulties with our audio on the day we recorded this episode, so please bear with us while you tune in for a really interesting conversation. We appreciate your patience!*

In this edition of The Ampersand: Unplugged,  co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with longtime friend of Adam’s, and of the firm, Alex MacWilliam, the longest-serving partner of the law firm Dentons’ Calgary office. In addition to some nostalgic, and at times hilarious, reminiscing about Adam’s year as Alex’s articling student 25 years ago, Alex shares several insights about ESG and how his legal practice has evolved to keep up with the changing times and how his firm, Dentons, is “walking the talk” on the subject.  

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In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with the esteemed Dean of the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Ian Holloway. In addition to being a long time friend of the firm and Adam's boss in Adam's capacity as a sessional instructor at U of C, Ian is a great story teller and scholar. Our discussion is wide ranging and talks about university campuses and free speech, the Rule of Law, psychological safety and why, at Zellers, the lowest price is the law.

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On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with Chad Aboud, former General Counsel and Law Firm lawyer who now focuses his immense energy and passion into helping other lawyers uncover their natural traits and skills so that they are more successful and feel happier in their careers. A gifted and articulate speaker, Chad’s passion for helping others comes through in all his work. When he sits down with one of our own ‘recovering lawyers’ (Adam) and Ampersand Unplugged co-host, Kiara, the ideas flow and the energy is contagious. Adam teaches a course at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law on many of the topics and issues Chad deals with daily, so it was difficult at times for Kiara to get a word in! But she kept us on track and on topic throughout this most enjoyable conversation about life as young professional, navigating the ecosystem of the profession, and the secrets to contentment in ones work.

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In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, our first official podcast of Season 3, we sit down with Rosa Rivero  from Responsibility Matters for a primer on all things ESG. Think of it as ESG 101, a great level-set for the season ahead where our focus will be on the emerging topic of Environment, Social, and Governance as it impacts organizations public and private, large and small, local and global. Rosa expertly walks us through some of the key definitions, oft-used acronyms, and sometimes misunderstood concepts related to ESG. By the end of the episode you will be armed with the vocabulary you’ll need to navigate the rest of season 3!

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We are back!! In this brief teaser episode, co-hosts Adam and Kiara hint at the season to come, our new theme music debuts and the usual hilarity ensues. Tune in to find out what to expect in the season ahead!

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On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we visit with our very own Kate Spencer for a highly enjoyable conversation about her role at our firm, how she arrived at Pekarsky & Co. after having known Adam for 25 years. We share stories about the firm, Kate’s views on equity, diversity and inclusion and have a proper conversation about Taylor Swift. As you can easily tell from the banter among Kate and our co-hosts, Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky, the culture at Pekarsky & Co. is, indeed, our secret sauce. We hope you enjoy this light-hearted and fun convo.

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