This is the first episode of a Futurpreneur sponsored series where each episode highlights a unique founder, diving into the inspiration, challenges, and innovations driving their success in Alberta. From idea to impact, hear firsthand how these entrepreneurs are contributing to Alberta’s future and learn what it takes to build and sustain a business today.

In this episode Discover how Canada's first all-women and queer-founded brewing company is shaking up the industry through innovative business practices and inclusive leadership. Christina, Excel Brew's founder, transformed a COVID-19 job loss into a thriving $350,000 revenue company that's redefining success in the brewing world.

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: Mo Al-Taqatqa brings a diverse background spanning finance, IT, space tech, agritech, banking, fundraising, education, nonprofits, and telecom, offering a unique perspective on business growth and innovation.

With years of experience, Mo has supported hundreds of startups across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, specializing in business planning, sales strategies, marketing, operations, and securing critical funding.

Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur, Canada’s leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs aged 18–39, Mo collaborates closely with emerging business leaders to overcome challenges and secure essential financing. In addition, Mo focuses on expanding Futurpreneur's partner and mentor network across Alberta, with a particular emphasis on the Calgary Metropolitan Region.

Host: Marie-Laure Polydore is a senior business development professional with over 15 years experience supporting SME’s. She has a passion for entrepreneurship, the environment and community economic development. Marie-Laure gained her experience through various industries from the clothing, the paper, the telecommunications industries, to the non-profit sectors. Bilingual, she gave herself the mission to support as many entrepreneurs as possible and she is well position to do so.

Guest: Christina Owczarek XhAle Brew Co.’s founder Christina Owzarek is a Canadian immigrant, Australian expat, & forever citizen of the world. Dedicated to adventure, knowledge, growth, community success & craft beer, Christina has channeled these passions into starting a brewing brand which creates provocative beer for conscious thinkers & drinkers. It is a culmination of over a decade of craft beer travel & study, seven years of professional experience in industry - including being the first woman to teach in the Brewmasters program at Olds College - and a lifetime of trying to find her purpose.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• XhAle Brew Co.

Show Quotes:

"Equity isn't only about money; it's about the tools, time, and talent you bring to the table." "The real strength of a business is surrounding yourself with people smarter than you." "Our approach gives people autonomy and trust in what they do, that's where real innovation happens."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: Futurpreneur Canada

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

This episode, hosted by Mike Procee, features an insightful conversation with Jeremiah Gardner, founder of Gardner Innovation. The discussion dives deep into the world of corporate innovation, exploring how innovation can be embedded as a core value within organizations. From building a culture of experimentation to navigating challenges faced by corporate innovators, Jeremiah shares valuable strategies and personal experiences. If you're keen on unlocking the secrets of effective corporate innovation and hearing practical tips from an industry leader, this episode is a must-listen!

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: Jeremiah Gardner is a recognized expert at the intersection of innovation and leadership, bringing years of experience in translating complex innovation concepts into practical, actionable systems for global organizations. Known for his empathetic and experimental leadership style, he has worked with industry leaders like Roche Pharmaceuticals, American Family Insurance, and ING Holding Group to reshape their innovation frameworks. His strategic insights have also supported initiatives for major brands, including GE, eBay, Nike, Unilever, and AIA, helping them harness change as a driving force for progress.

An engaging speaker, Jeremiah has delivered over 100 keynotes in more than 20 countries, blending industry expertise with compelling storytelling to challenge conventional thinking. Beyond his professional achievements, he draws inspiration from his experience as an advanced cave and technical diver, which informs his unique perspective on risk management and problem-solving. Jeremiah is passionate about connecting with fellow innovators and leaders to explore fresh approaches to leadership and innovation, turning challenges into opportunities with lasting impact.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• Gardner Innovation
• Calgary Innovation Peer Forum

Show Quotes:

"At the end of the day, innovation is about behavior change. It's not just about new products; it's about shifting how we operate and think." "There's something in the human spirit about wanting to explore, create, and make things better. That drive is what fuels innovation."

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

In this episode hosted by Peter Beaudoin, Tracy Nyholt discusses Techjitsu's flagship product, Caller Verify, which aims to address the growing problem of hackers impersonating callers to help desks by exploiting knowledge of customer security questions. Tracy explains how this solution emerged from a customer need, and how Techjitsu is targeting large organizations in industries like finance, healthcare, and insurance that have valuable data to protect.

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: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.

Guest: Tracey Nyholt is the Founder & CEO of TechJutsu Inc., a technology startup specializing in Identity & Access Management (IAM) solutions. With 20 years of cyber security expertise, she leads a team that has achieved partner status with Okta & received Okta’s Innovation Award for developing patent-pending Caller Verify. Tracey attributes TechJutsu’s success to the incorporation of principles like simplicity & continuous improvement, which she refined while training as a Black Belt in martial arts.

Tracey champions the advancement of women by sitting on the Board of Women in Communication and Technology, and mentoring individuals looking to further their career in the IAM field. She is a regular speaker at industry forums, webinars, and conferences such as the Directors' Forum Co-operative and Oktane 2023.

She has been featured in CBC's Calgary's Eye Opener Innovator Series, The Top 100 Women Owned Cybersecurity Magazine, University of Calgary's Alumni News, and Women in Identity’s Three Questions with Tracey Nyholt, TechJutsu Founder and CEO.

In 2023, Tracey was nominated and honored as one of Canada’s Top Women in Cybersecurity (presented by IT World Canada).

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• TechJutsu
• Alberta Catalyzer
• House 831

Show Quotes:

"Hackers are increasingly targeting the weakest link - the customer service desk" Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan