The GovMaker Podcast

In this first interview of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into the public sector and the insights she’s gained from working across government, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.

We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments.

Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.

The conversation also turns to storytelling as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

In this first interview of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into the public sector and the insights she’s gained from working across government, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.

We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments.

Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.

The conversation also turns to storytelling as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

In the first episode of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into public policy and the insights she’s gained from working across government, including machinery of government roles, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.

We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments. Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.

The conversation also turns to storytelling—not as communications or spin, but as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

New season, new intro! In this episode of the GovMaker podcast, hosts Nick Scott and Jason Pearman are joined by Pond Deshpande, Executive Director, Vanessa Paesani, to discuss the upcoming season and the 2025 GovMaker Conference in partnership with the Canadian Open Data Summit. The episode includes reflections on past seasons and a preview of what's to come in Season 3!

In this final episode of the GovMaker podcast season two, we bring you an exclusive live recording from GovMaker 2024. Hosted by Nick Scott, this special episode features an insightful conversation with the newly elected Premier of New Brunswick, Susan Holt.

During the discussion, Premier Holt reflects on her inspiring journey to the highest office in the province, sharing the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped her leadership style. She opens up about the profound influence her parents had on her values and approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of integrity, resilience, and empathy.

As the conversation unfolds, Holt explores the critical role of collaboration in effective governance, stressing how building meaningful connections and fostering cooperation across sectors are essential for transforming government. With a focus on the future, she discusses her vision for New Brunswick and the importance of creating a more innovative, and forward-thinking government.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on the role of leadership in shaping our collective future.

In this conversation, Nick Scott shares his experiences and insights on driving innovation and change within government. He discusses the importance of serendipity and how seemingly unrelated experiences and connections can come together to create opportunities. Nick also talks about the challenges he faced in changing the culture of government and the need for empathy and self-care in leadership roles. He highlights the value of building networks and creating spaces for experimentation and learning. Stay tuned for the release of the last episode of the season next Wednesday with a special guest!

In this conversation, Nick Scott questioned Jason Pearman about his Hero journey as a public servant. Jason breaks down the process of transforming government and shares his experiences in implementing innovative practices. He discusses the Open Policymaking Toolkit and the importance of providing the right level of information and technical assistance to professionals. Jason also highlights the role of champions and supporters in crafting an enabling environment for innovation in the public sector.

In this conversation, Honey Dacanay discusses the challenges and strategies for driving innovation in the public sector. Key themes include the impact of time pressures on innovation, the importance of leveraging political capital, and the need for effective leadership succession. Dacanay emphasizes understanding organizational readiness for change and empowering colleagues to take initiative. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration and continuous learning in fostering a culture of innovation within public service.

Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of the GovMaker podcast, Jason Pearman and Nick engage with Marlie Kikiboom, who shares her journey from the Netherlands to Canada and her experiences in public service. Marlie discusses her work in ethnographic research, systemic design, and social innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge co-production. She introduces the concept of the 'Ministry of Unbounded Affairs' as a way to approach public service challenges without the constraints of traditional departmental boundaries. The conversation explores the idea of rewilding government, personal transformation, and the challenges faced in public service, culminating in rapid-fire questions that reveal Marlie's insights on government work and the importance of relationality in public service.

Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this conversation, Kelly Lamrock discusses the systemic failures of government as highlighted in his reports, 'How It All Broke' and 'What We All Want.' He emphasizes the need for significant reforms in public service, focusing on the importance of outcomes over outputs, the role of incentives, and the necessity of leadership that prioritizes collective goals. Lamrock advocates for decentralizing decision-making to empower frontline workers and improve service delivery, ultimately aiming to close the gap between policy promises and actual outcomes for citizens. He also offers advice to public servants on embracing discomfort to drive meaningful change, while reflecting on the importance of gratitude in their roles.

Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠!