Responsible Disruption

Digital Innovation in Government

In this episode, host James Gamage delves into digital government transformation with guests Fouad Jallouli and Sheldon Bauld, who are instrumental in The Government of Alberta's digital initiatives. They discuss their roles, Alberta's digital service delivery choice, and its implications for other provinces. The conversation explores how the Government of Alberta solves the challenges of balancing digitization and multi-channel end-to-end delivery and the importance of maintaining citizen trust in the face of digital transformation of services. They tackle disruption, equity, and accessibility issues, particularly for marginalized communities, and the role of data-driven decision-making in the justice system.
 
To contact Fouad and Sheldon visit LinkedIn.
Fouad Jallouli and
Sheldon Bauld
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

From Setbacks to Success

In this episode, host Sydney Johnson is joined by co-founders Shahr Savizi-Smed and Amanda Ovaici as they take us through the journey of creating Fuckup Nights YYC, a platform dedicated to destigmatizing failure in entrepreneurship. They delve into the origins of their friendship and how it fueled the inception of Fuckup Nights YYC. Through insightful discussions, they explore the mission and its global counterparts, emphasizing that failure is not just a possibility but an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Acknowledging failure is crucial for fostering innovation and risk-taking, as it provides valuable lessons that propel growth. Shahr and Amanda share personal anecdotes from their own entrepreneurial experiences, illustrating how embracing failure has helped them overcome obstacles and ultimately drive success. They also discuss the impact of Fuckup Nights YYC on the entrepreneurial community in Calgary, highlighting its role in fostering connections between aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced professionals. This episode is a powerful reminder that failure, rather than being a setback, can be a stepping stone toward achieving greatness.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Cafe Alchemist
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Fostering Systemic Innovation

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, host Monique Blough is joined by Claire Reid, Chief Impact Officer, and Heather Senecal, Director of Learning and Evaluation, both from United Way of the Greater Capital Region in New York State, USA. Together, they explore the concept of systemic change and its critical role in addressing complex social challenges. The conversation delves into how innovation can drive transformative shifts and how frameworks like the adaptive cycle can help navigate these changes. You will gain insights into the dynamics of systemic change, the importance of resilience and adaptability, and strategies for fostering long-term sustainability. This episode offers a thoughtful discussion on the role of innovation in creating lasting social impact.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
FSG - The Water Systems of Change
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Design 101: Develop

In the third installment of the Design101 series, host Sydney Johnson interviews Julie Kuhn, a UX Designer from J5 Design, about the Develop phase of the design process. Julie shares insights on prototyping, gathering feedback, and collaborating with development teams. With a focus on iterative design and problem-solving, she offers practical strategies and personal stories from her work in designing digital experiences. This episode gives listeners a deeper understanding of how ideas take shape and evolve during development.
Topics discussed in this episode. 
Double Diamond
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Learning by Doing

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, host James Gamage is joined by Erin Kaipainen, the Director of Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, University of Calgary. Erin advocates for experiential learning, striving to make transformative educational opportunities accessible to all students. Throughout the conversation, Erin delves into experiential and work-integrated learning concepts, contrasting these approaches with traditional teaching methods. She shares insights into the development and impact of experiential learning programs, both at the University of Calgary and on a broader scale. She explores the challenges and opportunities inherent in this innovative educational approach. The episode also touches on the role of experiential learning in driving social change and the future of education in an evolving landscape.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Framework for Experiential Learning at UCalgary
Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Building Creative Minds

In this episode, host James Gamage interviews Amanda MacIntyre-Steel, a Complementary Curriculum Specialist with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE). Amanda is a strong advocate for design thinking in teaching and shares her extensive background in Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) and Career and Technology Studies (CTS). She discusses her initiatives, including the Calgary Career and Technology Education Conference and the CTF gallery, which showcase student work and foster connections among teachers. Amanda also provides insights into her design thinking book study group and its impact on educators. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students through creative learning processes and highlights various national and local initiatives that promote design thinking in education.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Launch: Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student
United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals
Design Thinking for Educators - IDEO
Dr. John Spencer
Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Engaging Minds at 2School

In this episode, James Gamage sit down with Margeaux Montgomery, an educator at the Innovative 2School program in Calgary. 2School brings the classroom into vibrant community settings, challenging students to think differently about their city and their role within it. Margeaux shares the history and core philosophy of the program, explaining how it integrates design thinking and a sense of community ownership into the curriculum. She provides a glimpse into the engaging activities and hands-on learning opportunities students explore. Margeaux also discusses the program's valuable partnerships, the broader significance of cities, and how student ideas have sparked change. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating "play" and civic engagement into the learning process, offering insights into the key outcomes and plans for 2School. 
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Open Minds
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

The Science of Possibility Thinking and Leadership

In this episode, Monique Blough speaks with Crystal Fernando, founding partner of WhatBox Innovation Partners, a company dedicated to helping leaders and teams navigate the complexities of the modern world. With over twenty years of experience in strategy activation and innovation, Crystal shares insights into the intersection of brain science and leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the brain functions to enhance leadership effectiveness. 
 
Topics discussed in this episode:
WhatBox – Free introductory consult when you mention this episode.
SIMPLE Strategies for a Not-so-Simple World
FOUR Freedoms – Fostering Psychological Safety
 
New Era of Leadership - context 
Welcome to a VUCA World - WhatBox
Leadership for a Complex Evolving World - WhatBox
Future Proofing the Workplace - Gabriella Kellerman, Scott Barry Kaufman 
What it Takes to Lead Through An Era of Exponential (3D) Change - HBR
Safety
How Your Brain Works - Possibility Thinking -  WhatBox
Impact of Stress on Possibility Thinking -  WhatBox
What is Priming & Why Does it Matter -  WhatBox
Google Study - Project Aristotle - Why do some teams outperform others 
Failing Well - Amy Edmonson and Scott Barry Kaufman 
Intention 
Lead with Intention - Forbes 
Leading from Nothing - Why Holding Space is your Most Important Leadership Skill  
Deep workbook Summary 
Put Purpose at the Core of your Strategy - HBR
Purpose is Everything - Deloitte 
Mindset 
Change your mindset, change the game - Dr. Alia Crum
Alia Crum - The Science of How Mindset Transforms the Human Experience  - WEF
Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck 
Victim vs. Player - Fred Kofman 
From Powerless to Powerful - Fred Kofman full series (agency mindset)
Possibility Mindsets - Mindsets to Thrive in New Era - WhatBox
How to enhance performance & learning by applying growth mindset - Andrew Huberman
Learning Habits
How to Generate Sustainable Habits - WhatBox
How to get Habits to Stick - James Clear (author - Atomic Habits)
Immunity to Change - Brene Frown and Lisa Lahey
Change 1 brain habit - Change everything - Evian Gordon (author - From Knowing to Doing)
Powerful Questions 
Powerful Inquiry - WhatBox
Constructing Great Questions -  WhatBox
Asking the right questions: - Hal Gregersen 
Getting unstuck by asking different questions - Hal Gregersen 
The Leader as Coach - HBR
Empathy 
Empathy is our SuperPower
Power of Empathy
Types of Empathy - Daniel Goleman 
Understanding Empathy
Future of Work and Empathy 
What is Human Centered Design - Ideo
Human Centered Design - A story of success 
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Design 101: Define

In the second installment of our Design 101 series, we delve into the define stage of the double diamond framework. Host Sydney Johnson sits down with Kristofer Kelly-Frere, Creative Lead at J5 Design, to explore the intricacies of problem definition and user persona creation. They discuss Kristofer's journey into service design and his experiences in the field. They share anecdotes highlighting the importance of the define phase in design projects and offer insights into synthesizing research findings. The conversation navigates the role of user personas in shaping design direction and addresses common challenges in crafting problem statements. Kristofer shares strategies for ensuring problem statements guide the ideation process effectively.
 
Topics discussed in this episode. 
Double Diamond
Dancing with Discomfort: Navigating Emotional Dynamics in Design
Gender-Based Analysis Plus 
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

WINS: Success in Social Enterprise

In this episode, Karen Ramchuk, President & CEO of WINS, shares the journey of WINS as a charity operating a social enterprise. She discusses WINS' innovative approach to achieving social impact and financial sustainability through the operation of thrift stores in Calgary. Karen highlights the organization's recruitment practices, the role of its Board members, and its significant contributions to empowering women and families in Calgary. She also touches on the challenges faced by WINS and the valuable lessons learned, offering insights for aspiring social entrepreneurs. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of social enterprises in creating positive social change within communities.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
IntegralOrg
 
In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.