In this insightful episode, corporate strategy and innovation experts Zoe and Chantel delve into the crucial role of the board of directors in fostering innovation within organizations. They emphasize the importance of the board serving as the "brain" of a company, responsible for setting strategy and managing risk.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta. Host: Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner.

Guest: Zoe Harrison is a corporate board director and innovation consultant. She has made her home in Alberta and is committed to growing the local innovation community and creating space for people of all backgrounds to innovate.

Guest: Chantel Cabaj In 2016, Chantel Cabaj (she/her) was inspired by political events to ensure women's voices were entrenched in leadership. With a group of dedicated volunteers, this led to the creation of DirectHer Network, a registered charity committed to demystifying the board experience and expanding the number and types of women and gender diverse people in board service. Since 2016, Chantel has educated thousands on the topic of board governance through DirectHer, private consulting and her online governance company, BoardWell.

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Show Links:

• DirectHer Network
• Platform Calgary
• Startup TNT
• Avatar Innovations
• Thin Air Labs
• Council of Canadian Innovators
• McMaster University

Show Quotes:

"I like to think of the Board of Directors as the brain. It's the decision maker for this legal thing you've created."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan