Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast

Al Del Degan
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Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast showcases those who are contributing to and / or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta. Rainforest Alberta is a world-class community of dreamers and doers, connected by a common goal of making Alberta fertile ground for building, developing, and growing innovative ideas into sustainable ventures. https://rainforestab.ca

  1. FEB 24

    Managing Six Kids and a Global Brand: Productivity Hacks from Julie Cole

    In this high-energy episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley welcomes Julie Cole, the "recovered lawyer" and co-founder of the iconic brand Mabel’s Labels. Julie shares the 22-year journey of her business, which began in a Hamilton basement as a solution for parents tired of losing expensive children’s gear. The conversation explores the advantages of founding a company with friends and family, the importance of proactive communication to avoid "recovery mode" in partnerships, and Julie’s unique approach to fostering innovation by allowing employees the "freedom to nerd out". Julie also provides a candid look at her personal life, discussing how she managed to raise six children while scaling a multi-million dollar company, her perspective on entrepreneurial privilege, and the productivity hacks that kept her sane—and ultimately became a bestselling book Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest: Julie Cole — a dynamic entrepreneur, recovered lawyer, and mom of six who traded in her legal career to co-found Mabel’s Labels, the award-winning company that transformed from a basement startup into a multi-million dollar industry leader. As Senior Director of Mabel’s Labels, Julie has helped revolutionize the durable label market while becoming a recognized voice in entrepreneurship, parenting, and women’s leadership. She’s an award-winning businesswoman, best-selling author, and in-demand speaker and media contributor, having appeared on major media outlets including NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, The Marilyn Denis Show, CNN, CP-24, and Breakfast Television. Her written work has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Today’s Parent, and more. Julie’s achievements have earned her notable recognition, including the RBC Women of Influence Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Iris Award in Entrepreneurship, to name a few.  Beyond business, Julie is deeply committed to community engagement, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and advocating for women’s rights. Whether she’s keynoting a conference or navigating the chaos of family life, Julie brings authenticity, humour, and heart to everything she does. Follow Julie for inspiration, real talk, and expert insights into entrepreneurship, parenting, and the power of building something meaningful from the ground up. Show Links: Mabel's Labels  Show Quotes: "I joke, I'm a recovered lawyer... I wanted to have a little bit of flexibility that I didn't think the traditional workforce probably wouldn't be able to provide."  "If you stop micromanaging, that's where the magic and the innovation will happen, and you let them do that stuff."  "Courage is—I always say when life gives me lemons, I make a gin and tonic." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    28 min

  2. FEB 17

    Beyond the Bedside: Empowering the Modern Nursepreneur

    This episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Dawn, a veteran registered nurse turned entrepreneur, to tackle the "big, ugly, audacious goal" of fixing the nursing workforce crisis. With over 18 years of experience spanning critical care to clinical education, Dawn reveals a shocking gap in the healthcare ecosystem: the lack of a standardized, portable way for nurses to track their complex skill sets. They dive deep into the transition from clinician to "nursepreneur," the psychological weight of the profession, and how a collaborative digital platform can reduce fear for new grads while improving patient safety. From the impact of AI on clinical decision-making to the enduring power of professional relationships, this conversation is a masterclass in how nursing expertise is the ultimate foundation for healthcare innovation. Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest: Dawn Leadbetter A registered nurse in Alberta, and a proud alumnus of both the U of A (BScN ’07) as well as the U of C (MN ’24), Dawn has gained extensive knowledge and experience from her clinical RN roles in adult intensive care, teaching clinical courses at MacEwan University in the undergraduate program. Gathering significant system level knowledge in her zone role as a CNE, her passion was focused on utilizing process improvement and change management skills. Since obtaining her MN, with certificates in Healthcare Innovation and Design and Leadership for Health Systems Transformation, Dawn was inspired to take the leap into her own consulting business Nurse Matrix Systems Inc. and began developing a platform aimed at solving one of the most complex workforce and retention problems, understanding and tracking nursing knowledge and skills attainment. Show Links: Nurse Matrix Systems Inc.  Show Quotes: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. That is really where the healthcare ecosystem lives—we fail more often than not when we’re not collaborative." "A nurse is not just a nurse. Even moving from one ICU to another, there is a learning curve. We need to understand transferable skills to help people function safely and grow over time." "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than that fear." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    31 min

  3. FEB 10

    The Power of Own-Source Revenue: Building a Sustainable Future for the St. Albert Métis District

    In this insightful episode of LIBI, host Peter Beaudoin sits down with Jim Flett, the Managing Director of Sturgeon River Utilities. As a 100% Métis community-owned energy marketer based in St. Albert, this trailblazing entity is rewriting the script on indigenous economic development. Jim shares the rigorous, year-long journey of community engagement and democratic voting that led to the company’s launch, highlighting how the venture isn’t just about electricity and natural gas—it's about creating "own-source revenue" to fund local housing and accessible jobs for an aging membership. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of the Alberta energy market or the inspiring path toward community self-sufficiency, this conversation illuminates how local leadership and cultural pride can fuel a thriving, competitive business. Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Peter Beaudoin 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: Jim Flett is the Managing Director of Sturgeon River Utilities, bringing over 15 years of experience in banking and finance to his leadership role. He has years of experience reflecting expertise in financial strategy and governance. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Jim serves on various boards, contributing strategic insight and strong oversight across multiple organizations. Show Links: Sturgeon River Utilities  St. Albert Metis District  Utility Consumer Advocate  Show Quotes: "Everything we do is community focused. The structure itself is owned a hundred percent by the St. Albert Métis district." "If we believe in ourselves enough as Métis community members to start something that will build for opportunities for more Métis people in the future... people will sign up and use those services." "The ability to make friends and these connections with other Métis people throughout the province is just so important." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    19 min

  4. FEB 3

    Swipe Right on Talent: How AI is Ending the Recruitment "Black Hole"

    In this insightful episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Terri Davis, the visionary founder of Profound Talent and oolu. With 25 years of recruitment expertise, Terri shares her journey of transforming a traditionally manual, labor-intensive industry into an agile, AI-driven experience. The conversation dives deep into the rise of the "fractional workforce"—senior-level experts who provide strategic leadership without the full-time price tag—and how Terri’s new platform, oolu, is bridging the gap for scaling companies. Beyond the tech, Terri offers a candid look at the hurdles of being a non-technical founder, from managing international development teams to the financial grit required to fund a dream. It is a masterclass in resilience, market pivoting, and the courage to "work differently." Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest: Terri Davis is a connector at heart—of people, purpose, and possibility. As the founder of ProFound Talent Inc. and oolu, she brings over 25 years of executive recruitment experience in helping businesses scale by finding the right talent to lead their growth.  A disruptor, Terri is redefining the future of work through oolu—a one-of-a-kind, AI-assisted platform that not only matches businesses with fractional leaders but manages contracts, payments, and support services in one seamless solution. It’s a disruptive shift in how we hire, how people work, and how organizations access critical leadership, faster and smarter. Think, swipe right to find your next leader.   With a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA, she’s combined deep business acumen with a genuine passion for helping people thrive—whether through traditional executive search or transformative tech. Her legacy is about more than placements; it's about building strong organizations and better lives through meaningful work. Show Links: oolu.ai  Show Quotes: "I want you to dream big, be extraordinary, and be profound. Know you can do it. You are amazing as a human being, so go build your dream." "Fractional is a part of the changing workforce that's happening. You get an executive leadership level experience that can hop in, work at the level you need, and take it off your plate as a founder so that you can move your business forward." "Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart, but it's also incredibly invigorating. You definitely have to be dedicated, you have to have a vision, and you have to have resilience." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    24 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    A 7:00 AM Disaster: How One Major Failure Became a Catalyst for Success

    In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea chats with Daniella Jasper-Okumagba, the founder of The Bridge, a catering concierge service dedicated to making ethnic food everyday food. Daniella is on a mission to save the corporate world from "treacherous charcuterie boards" by connecting mainstream events with authentic multicultural caterers. She opens up about the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, sharing her personal "24-hour rule" for processing setbacks and why she believes that every "No" is just one step closer to a "Yes." Tune in to hear how she turned a student athlete mindset into business success, and stay for the "wild story" about a breakfast catering nightmare that became the defining moment for her company's quality standards. Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest:  Daniella Jasper-Okumagba is the founder of The BRDGE, a catering concierge service dedicated to a singular, bold mission: making authentic ethnic food as accessible as ordering a pizza. Recognizing that talented chefs often struggle to reach the mainstream market, Daniella built The BRDGE to connect food lovers with incredible home-style meals while supporting local businesses. She specializes in solving the catering challenge for corporate gatherings, weddings, and conferences, helping organizers source high-quality, diverse menus that satisfy multicultural teams and complex dietary restrictions alike. By delivering convenience without compromising on authenticity, Daniella is working to make international food "everyday food"—building bridges one meal at a time. Show Links: The BRDGE  Show Quotes: "I found that there was a lack of ethnic food representation when it comes to events in schools and industrial areas... and that we're saved from the treacherous charcuterie boards and dry sandwiches at every conference that we attend." "I have a 24 hour rule for myself. Whenever I face a rough day in general as an entrepreneur, I take that day. I feel all the feelings, I get sad, do whatever I need to do, but the next day I just jump back right back into it." "There can't be another you... yes, someone can replicate that, but when it comes to a brand or people's connection to a brand, there's nobody that can replace how you make them feel." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    20 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The "Small Corner" Mindset: From Dollar Store Habits to the Circular Economy

    In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea sits down with the unstoppable Bibiana Cala—an anthropologist, serial entrepreneur, and champion of the Circular Economy Club of Calgary. Bibiana challenges us to look beyond the convenience of modern consumerism and understand how every purchase connects to a global ecosystem. From the unintended consequences of clothing donations to the philosophy of the "donut economy," she offers a compelling roadmap for a more sustainable future. But this conversation goes deeper than just business and sustainability; Bibiana opens up vulnerably about her journey with ADHD and depression, revealing how she learned to embrace her strengths as a visionary and delegate the rest. Tune in to hear how focusing on changing "your own small corner" can have a massive ripple effect, and stick around for a truly wild story about how she manifested an international move to Norway in less than a week! Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest: Bibiana Cala is passionate about fostering personal growth, community development, and sustainability across sectors. With a background in anthropology, she brings a people-centered perspective to creating meaningful and lasting impact. Over the years, she has supported individuals, businesses, and communities through entrepreneurship training, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development projects. As Co-Founder of Huginn Insight, Bibiana is expanding this work into supply chain management and sustainability, helping small businesses and organizations build more transparent, responsible, and resilient practices. Guided by integrity, collaboration, and a deep love for her family, she believes that authentic connections and shared knowledge can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Show Links: Circular Calgary  Show Quotes: "If we don't do things in a different way, we're just affecting us and we are making things harder for more people. It's not just the planet. The planet has been here... millions, billions of years... The universe is going to be here even without us." "I know some people say, 'You're not going to change the world.' It doesn't matter. If I can change a little bit the corner I am, that's enough." "Just think twice when you're going to buy something. Say, 'Okay, can I find this secondhand? Can I do, maybe I have something at home I can reuse? Can I ask someone if they have it? Do I really need this or I want it?'... That actually makes a difference." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    28 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Don’t Trash the Foam: Why Styrofoam is the Most Misunderstood Material on Earth

    In this "Where Are They Now?" episode, host Al Del Degan reconnects with Robert Herritt, the mastermind behind Styro Ventures. Since his last appearance on LIBI in 2021, Robert has transformed a local recycling initiative into a national juggernaut, expanding from a single pickup truck in Calgary to operations spanning Canada and soon the United States. Robert pulls back the curtain on the circular economy, debunking the myth that Styrofoam is non-recyclable garbage and revealing how it is being transformed into everything from home insulation to cabinetry. We also dive into his cutting-edge "Styro Track" software—a transparency tool that lets clients track their waste in real-time, ensuring it never hits a landfill. If you are interested in green tech, rapid business scaling, or simply want to know where your recycling fees actually go, you cannot afford to miss this conversation. Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Al Del Degan is a software developer and tech leader in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. He is also a Web3 enthusiast and podcaster, sharing his knowledge and passion for emerging technologies with his audience. Al is the founder and CTO of New Idea Machine, a software company dedicated to helping new developers gain hands-on experience building real-world applications. With his commitment to giving back to the community, Al is always available to offer advice on technology and business. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in everything he does, making him a respected leader in the tech industry. Guest: Robert Herritt, Serial entrepreneur for 20 years. From airline pilot background to Eco-innovator. Helping put Canada on the world map in leading the charge to a zero-plastic waste future. Show Links: Styro Ventures  Show Quotes: "We finally found the on ramp to the motorway and we're picking up speed... here we are at the end of 2025 and we've gone national coast to coast and, soon down into the US." "It is a fantastic raw material that we're just discarding... We can make the plastics industry in Alberta a completely closed loop... There's no reason why we need to take virgin resin and make garbage bags and then put it in the ground." "We call it Styro Track... we wanted to be able to give people an Iron Clad assurance as to where the material is when we pick it up, and then what happens to it to be able to show completely where it goes and what happens to it and how it gets recycled." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    31 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    The Healthpreneur Revolution: Bridging the Rural Gap with BioInsight DNA

    In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this compelling episode host Rea Hailley sits down with Nyasha Katedza, a Medical Laboratory Assistant turned "Healthpreneur" and founder of BioInsight DNA and Blood Services. Driven by the stark reality of rural healthcare, where neighbors drive hundreds of kilometers just for blood work, Nyasha is on a mission to democratize access to care for marginalized communities. Together, they peel back the curtain on the unglamorous side of entrepreneurship, discussing the relentless workload, the bias against founders over 30, and why "necessity" is the ultimate driver for innovation in low-resource settings. The conversation culminates in a jaw-dropping "Wild Story" involving a winter ravine crash, a suspicious rescue attempt, and a shocking run-in with the RCMP that serves as a chilling reminder of why safety protocols are non-negotiable for female founders. Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success. Guest: Nyasha Katedza, a CSMLS- and BCSLS-certified Medical Laboratory Assistant with a CMLA from Camosun Colege and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Emory University. After working in both public hospital labs and private diagnostics, she saw firsthand how access to care can shape outcomes. That experience inspired her to found BioInsight DNA & Blood Services, a specimen collection company dedicated to bringing high-quality, equitable diagnostics to every community, especially the disabled and home-bound.  Nyasha’s work bridges science, compassion, and innovation - all driven by a belief that everyone deserves a health system that challenges disparities and provides equitable access to care. Show Links: BioInsight DNA & Blood Services Inc.  Show Quotes: "We wanna think about flowers and butterflies when it comes to entrepreneurship, but a lot of times as a female entrepreneur, you have to consider safety... taking some courses in self-defense is not such a bad idea either." "I think most people would be surprised to learn that I'm not a spring chicken... A lot of funding is focused on youth entrepreneurship and there needs to be a conversation about that as well. It's like once you reach 30 or older, then you have no ideas and you have no vision." "If you ever meet an entrepreneur from a rural or remote area, they're building and they're building without funding... what drives them is necessity for themselves and for their neighbors." Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

    27 min
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Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast showcases those who are contributing to and / or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta. Rainforest Alberta is a world-class community of dreamers and doers, connected by a common goal of making Alberta fertile ground for building, developing, and growing innovative ideas into sustainable ventures. https://rainforestab.ca

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