Icebreakers: A conversation about Canadian and Eurasian business

CECC
Icebreakers: A conversation about Canadian and Eurasian business

Icebreakers is the only podcast exploring the intersection of Canadian and Eurasian business, culture, and personalities. Join Nathan Hunt as he hosts leaders, politicians, artists, and more as they reflect on the current state of Canadian and Eurasian cooperation and look to the future to speculate on what is to come. With each new episode, we discover new exciting stories, personal experiences and determine various opportunities to form a bilateral dialogue between our countries and people. Icebreakers is produced bi-weekly by the Canada Eurasia Chamber of Commerce, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. Learn more about CECC here: https://www.canadaeurasia.com/

  1. 18/05/2023

    "Building Bridges from Canada to Kazakhstan" with Tim Gitzel

    In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Tim Gitzel, the President and CEO of Cameco Corporation, the world's largest uranium producer. With over 25 years of senior management and legal experience in Canadian and international uranium mining, Mr. Gitzel has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with our listeners. As the Honorary Council of Kazakhstan to Saskatchewan and a Board member of various prestigious organizations including the World Nuclear Association and the Kazakhstan - Canada Business Council, Mr. Gitzel provides valuable insights on the transformation of Kazakhstan's mining industry and what makes the country an attractive destination for foreign investors. Related links to this episode: Cameco Kazakhstan Canada Business Council (KCBC) Kazatomprom Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:36 - Introducing Tim Gitzel 1:56 Growing up in communities of Northern Saskatchewan 2:59 Hockey passion and a call that never comes 4:30 Breaking into the uranium industry 7:06 Uranium 2011: from ‘’sky-high” to “now what?” 10:44 Cameco, as the largest industrial employer of Indigenous people 13:14 Expanding to Kazakhstan market 16:07 Modernization of Kazakhstan’s mining sector 18:00 Adapting to JORC code principles 19:03 Cameco-Kazatomprom joint venture 21:46 Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Saskatchewan 24:33 Meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan 27:49 Political leadership of the government of Kazakhstan 30:22 Mr. Gitzel’s advice on entering the Kazakhstan market 33:35 Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KCBC) 38:11 What made Tim Gitzel a leader? 40:09 What does the future hold for Tim Gitzel? 43:34 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    44 min
  2. 23/09/2022

    "Uzbekistan:New Heights in Higher Education" with Peter McCann

    In today’s episode we are joined by Mr. Peter McCann, a Management Consultant, an author of two business books, and now Advisor to the Rector at Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute. Peter has over 30 years of experience in consulting small and large businesses in the USA & Canada, as well as taught and lectured in Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Peter shares his firsthand experience in establishing his own business and new professional and social life in Central Asia, education reforms in Uzbekistan and large-scale projects in partnership with the world leaders in vocational training. How will applying the best international practices address the core challenges in education? What opportunities does this tremendous transformation open for Canada-Uzbekistan cooperation? Related links to this episode: Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute SAIT 'Strategy & Business Planning of Privately Held Companies' book by Peter McCann 'Turnarounds: Brains, Guts & Stamina' book by Peter McCann Timeline: 00:40 – Introducing Peter McCann 1:40 – Radical transformation of the Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute (TCTI) 7:30 – Growing up in Ottawa's rural northwest 9:20 – First career breakthroughs 12:32 – Turnarounds and Consultancy practice 13:42 – Early steps towards Kazakhstan in 1998 16:28 – Aftermath of moving to Central Asia 21:55 – Meeting your better half and strengthening family bonds 24:25 – Uzbek progress and hard work 25:07 – Partnership with SAIT – the World Leaders in vocational training 27:45 – “The LEADER” Project from Ivey Business School in TCTI 30:03 – Life lessons taken from Judo 33:50 – What made Mr.Peter McCann a leader? 35:35 – What does the future hold for Peter McCann? 36:49 – Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    38 min
  3. 02/09/2022

    'A merit-based education system in Kazakhstan' with Jean-François Caron

    Today we’re hosting Dr. Jean-François Caron, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he teaches Political Theory. Dr. Caron has authored 6 monographs and more than 20 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. Jean-François shares a story of his career development in a cross-national perspective, forming family, teaching and living in Kazakhstan. He also elaborates on principles and admission criteria in the Nazarbayev University, as well as discusses State Scholarship Opportunities for foreign students. Related links to this episode: Nazarbayev University Timeline: 0:40 – Introducing Jean-François Caron 2:18 – Early life integration into educational environment 3:41 – English-based teaching in Nazarbayev University 4:59 – From Plato to Francisco Nguema 7:45 –  From Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to affiliate work in Poland 9:41 – Meeting significant other on a 1st day in Kazakhstan 12:43 – Merit-based admission to Nazarbayev University 16:15 – hard work is always gets paid off 18:57 – The logic of meritocracy 24:17 – Adjusting to virtual environment 29:27 – Tapping into technology 30:37 – Subtleties of the Kazakh language 33:54 – Kazakh wedding traditions 35:52 – Canada-Kazakhstan cooperation opportunities in education 39:20 – Foreign students at Nazarbayev University 41:05 – What made Dr.Caron a leader? 42:46 – What does the future hold for Dr.Caron? 44:29 – Kazakh hospitality 47:22 – Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    48 min
  4. 12/08/2022

    'Uzbekistan: New Era of Opportunity' with Eldor Mannopov

    Join us on a journey through the heart of Central Asia and the birthplace of 1001 Arabian Nights - the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visit Tashkent and Navoi, Khiva and Samarkand, Kyzylkum and Aralkum deserts - all through the eyes of the Canadian Honorary Consul of Canada in Uzbekistan and Managing Partner at Dentons Uzbekistan - Mr. Eldor Mannopov. In this episode, we discuss the progressive reforms and improvements introduced by the government of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in support of the foreign business, Uzbek's extraordinary hospitality and personal experiences living and working in the country. Related links to this episode: Dentons UzbekistanCanadian Consulate in Uzbekistan Timeline: 00:40 Intro 00:50 Considering an “honorable profession” 04:26 Merging with Dentons 05:10 Landmark M&A: privatization of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan 06:21 Gosplan years 08:23 President Merziyoyev era 9:51 Monetary policy reform 14:33 Tax reform: stable and transparent regime 17:31 Public procurement laws and e-government innovations 20:23 1001 Arabian Night stories' birthplace 21:51 Mining industry reform in Uzbekistan 27:27 Foreign investors in Uzbekistan mining 30:13 Desert fishing with Ambassador John Kur 32:22 6 million tons of cotton and the death of the Aral Sea: ESG solutions 34:46 Extraordinary hospitality of Uzbek people 36:26 Goals-based living 36:52 What does the future hold for Eldor? 37:23 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    38 min
  5. 01/07/2022

    'Seizing an opportunity in Kazakhstan' with Darren Klinck

    We are excited to host Mr. Darren Klinck today, President and Director at the Arras Minerals – a Canadian junior mining & exploration company operating in Kazakhstan. Darren has extensive international experience in mining, having raised over 800 million for the projects globally including Guatemala, Laos, Australia, New Zeeland and Myanmar. He is sharing his personal stories about growing up in rural Alberta, getting involved in mining and capital markets, founding the first ever Canadian junior mining company in Kazakhstan and providing a piece of advice for Canadian investors considering Eurasia. Related links: CECC Arras Minerals Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022 (KCBC) Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Darren Klinck 01:26 Growing up in rural Alberta 02:30 Close encounter in snowy Sierra, Northern Mexico 06:03 Headhunters in the Philippines 06:54 From Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw 08:52 Gold Rush in South Carolina 11:32 Getting excited over an opportunity in Kazakhstan 12:44 Similarities to Canada 13:58 Western approach to doing business 15:30 Do investors feel comfortable? Perceptions 17:30 Attracting more junior miners to Kazakhstan 19:45 Crisis management 22:00 Going public 25:46 Advice for Canadian investors 26:53 Enchanting and eclectic Nur-Sultan 28:22 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022 29:25 Fundraising insights 30:39 What made Darren a leader? 31:27 What does the future hold? 32:45 Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    34 min
  6. 13/05/2022

    'How to Change the World” with Jim Gibson

    We are hosting Mr. Jim Gibson today, Chief Catalyst and Community Leader at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Jim is a passionate serial entrepreneur and author of “Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads”. Jim brings over 30 years of experience in digital technologies, innovations, mentorship, and technological ventures into the conversation. With his help we are exploring the notion of digital literacy and digital citizenship as well as investigate the coming tsunami of technological change. Precisely, how will the exponential technological growth influence our lives, education sector and contemporary youth?  What are the opportunities for Canada-Eurasia collaboration and what does “How to change the World” program contribute to the global education industry? Related links: SAIT SADT "How to change the World" Program" Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads" book by Jim Gibson Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Welcome Jim Gibson 1:27 What does it mean to be digitally literate? 4:46 Digital Intelligence classes for digital natives by SAIT 9:05 Understanding your digital footprint 11:00 Technology genie out of the bottle but the legislation is lagging 14:21 What skills will students need in the future? 16:12 Will we reach singularity soon? 18:03 20 years of change in 20 months 20:51 International programs and corporate trainings 24:03 Smart cities 26:43 “How to Change the World” program 31:17 SAIT School of Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) 34:00 The role of mentorship in education 36:02 What made you a Leader? 36:56 Pay attention! Or What does the future hold? 38:20 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com

    39 min
  7. 22/04/2022

    Can-do Attitude Globally with Don Streu

    It’s time to hear words of wisdom from our honoured guest and oil and gas expert, Mr. Don Streu, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta and President, CEO and Director at Condor Petroleum.Don has over 35 years of experience in the oil & gas industry globally: from Angola to Indonesia, from Canada to Central Asia. He’s sharing his personal experience of operating a company in Kazakhstan, exploring the Uzbekistan market, working with oil & gas reserves, and leading LNG technological revolution in Central Asia. Related links: Condor Petroleum Chevron Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan,Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan Timeline 0:00 Intro 0:40 Welcome Don Streu 1:24 The heart of the new West (Alberta) 2:36 Will the current uptick in Gas & Oil price help Alberta’s economy? 3:50 Starting with Shevron in 1986 5:52 The “Three No” Rule and move to Angola 11:04 Experiences in Indonesia and Nigeria 14:09 Founding Condor Petroleum: turning to Kazakhstan 16:25 What does it take to discover oil? 17:53 Step in the right direction: introducing LNG technology in Kazakhstan 20:19 Ethical oil 22:48 Can-do attitude: Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani culture and professionalism 25:36 Opportunities in Uzbekistan 26:43 Leading the small-scale LNG revolution 29:53 What does it mean to be an Honorary Consul of Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta? 31:39 Enjoying Alberta and Ontario beef in Kazakhstan 33:12 Positive reforms in Kazakhstan 36:14 What made Don a leader? 37:09 What does the future hold for Don Streu? 39:21 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org

    40 min
  8. 05/02/2022

    Reinvention with Nathan Hunt

    We’re turning the tables on Nathan Hunt today - the host for the ICE/Breakers Podcast - making him the interviewee. Nathan is a Yale University graduate, summa cum laude, and a former Russia Director of the Canadian meat and dairy traders, Ronald A. Chisholm Limited.  Nathan is one of the founders of CERBA and has chaired its Moscow Chapter since its inception. He’s sharing his experience of living and doing business in rapidly changing Russia reinventing himself and discovering new potential throughout two and a half decades in the country.  Related links: CERBA Ronald A.Chisholm Ltd. LP/AD Lada Cherkizovo Group Timeline: 0:00 Intro 1:19 Setting the stage 2:17 80s and early 90s speculating on cassette tapes in Russia 4:40 Chicken purchase gone afoul 7:30 Pivoting to the Canadian angle  10:00 Late 90s/early 2000s: Pioneering new sources of meat to Russia  12:10 CBAR inception 13:58 Time when Russia favoured Canada 15:30 Lada imports from the USSR to Canada 17:58 Punching above our weight: CERBA story 23:46 2008 recession and new beginnings  25:36 Early 2010s: CERBA expansion to Vancouver and Kazakhstan 29:00 Hollywood Hunt: Larry King, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher  31:41 Let’s be honest: Jean Charest meeting with Yuri Luzhkov  35:15 Business diplomacy  37:26 “Russia – a lousy place to do business, a great place to make money” 38:59 “Harper, Putin to star in 1972 Summit Series rematch” 44:00 The challenges and opportunities of the pandemic and climate change  47:04 What does the future hold for Nathan Hunt? 51:32 What made Nathan a leader? Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org

    54 min

Notes et avis

À propos

Icebreakers is the only podcast exploring the intersection of Canadian and Eurasian business, culture, and personalities. Join Nathan Hunt as he hosts leaders, politicians, artists, and more as they reflect on the current state of Canadian and Eurasian cooperation and look to the future to speculate on what is to come. With each new episode, we discover new exciting stories, personal experiences and determine various opportunities to form a bilateral dialogue between our countries and people. Icebreakers is produced bi-weekly by the Canada Eurasia Chamber of Commerce, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. Learn more about CECC here: https://www.canadaeurasia.com/

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