Responsible Disruption

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.
 

Indigenous Land-Based Teachings

In this episode, Monique Blough hands over the reins to Daisy Giroux, Woodland Cree from Driftpile First Nation and Strategy Lead for United Way's Akaks'timan Indigenous Strategy. Daisy leads a profound discussion on land-based teachings, exploring their meaning, impact, and value with two distinguished guests. Chantel Large, the Cultural Services Manager at Miskanawah and a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary, shares her experiences and highlights examples of land-based teachings in practice. Kirby Redwood, CEO at Miskanawah, discusses the importance of creating ethical spaces where Indigenous and Western worldviews coexist and foster community wellness. Together, they delve into the transformative potential of land-based strategies for Indigenous communities and beyond. Join us for an enriching exploration of Indigenous teachings and their relevance in today's world.      
 
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.

Third Places and Creative Spaces

Join us in this episode as we explore the dynamic world of community hubs and startup communities with Ken Bautista, co-founder at Makespace and Flightpath Ventures, and Maria Topolnyski, manager of Community Hubs at United Way of Calgary and Area. We delve into the essence of these spaces as third places, fostering a sense of belonging and community identity. Ken shares examples from the innovative landscape, highlighting how startup communities become breeding grounds for creative ideas. Meanwhile, Maria provides insights into the design principles and strategies employed within United Way of Calgary and Area’s community hubs, focusing on social cohesion and inclusivity. The discussion extends to evaluating the social impact of these spaces, considering well-being metrics and the role of data-driven approaches. Join us for a rich conversation that uncovers the interconnected threads of community, innovation, and inclusivity.
 
Topics discussed in this episode. 
Celebrating the Third Place: Inspiring Stories About the Great Good Places at the Heart of Our Communities - Ray Oldenburg
How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life -  Erick Klunnenburg
 
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: Discover

In this episode of Design 101, join host Sydney Johnson and guest Rhea Kachroo, a seasoned Service Designer from J5 Design, as they delve into the essential "Discover" phase in the design process. Rhea shares her journey as a designer, highlighting how she found her niche in service design. She shares key lessons from her career that have shaped her approach to design and the evolving role of service design in today's dynamic landscape. Discover why empathy is crucial in design and how Rhea selects the most appropriate research methods during the discovery phase. She also shares strategies to ensure diverse perspectives are represented in insights gathered and how to navigate challenges when initial assumptions about user needs are challenged. Join us for an overview of the entire design process and uncover why the Discover phase is pivotal in creating impactful designs.
 
Topics discussed in this episode: 
The 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.
 
 

A Tale of IP Protection

In this episode, we delved into the critical topic of protecting innovation, spotlighting the compelling journey of Local Laundry, founded by Connor Curran, and the challenges they faced in safeguarding their intellectual property when a larger company used their image. With the invaluable support of Brett Colvin, CEO of Goodlawyer, Local Laundry navigated the legal complexities and realized that with every problem, there is an opportunity to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. Throughout the discussion, we explored the importance of intellectual property rights for businesses, the role of legal expertise in addressing such challenges, and the broader implications for small businesses facing similar situations. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying vigilant, leveraging legal support, and fostering a strong community network to safeguard the creativity and innovation that propel businesses forward.
 
 
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.

Architects of Change

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, Monique Blough hosts Dr. Douglas MacLeod, Chair of the Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University. Dr. MacLeod shares his journey and experiences at a distance learning institution, leading to a discussion on the crucial intersection of architecture and human-centred design, focusing on sustainability and social responsibility. He discusses his role in the Living Atlas of Quality project, outlining its thematic clusters and collaborative efforts to redefine quality in Canada's built environment. Dr. MacLeod's research on community-based infrastructure in rural areas, particularly regarding social integration, is highlighted. Insights from the Athabasca Design Lab underscore the transformative potential of collaborative community co-design in architectural projects.
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Jean-Pierre Chupin
Dr. Josie Auger
David Fortin
Dr. Sylvia McAdam
One House Many Nations
Cynthia Dovell
The Architecture of Hope by Dr. Douglas MacLeod
The Social impact Lab Alberta
 
 
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.
 

Now Innovating

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, Sydney Johnson welcomes Julia MacGregor, the host of the Now Innovating podcast at the University of Calgary. The conversation unfolds with insights into the power of storytelling as a catalyst for connecting academic research with broader audiences. Julia provides an overview of the Now Innovating Podcast, profiling its mission to showcase innovation work at the University of Calgary. Julia also shares her perspectives on fostering an innovation mindset within academic institutions.
 
 
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.

Data-Driven Social Change

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, our host, James Gamage, welcomes Jeff Couillard, a change catalyst and advocate for youth mental health. The episode delves into Jeff's transformative life experiences, his journey from his work in addiction treatment to entrepreneurship, and the evolution of data-driven evaluation approaches in social change. Jeff is now Co-CEO at The Ally Co., a team of human-centered, systems-conscious consultants, facilitators and advisors who support leaders in deepening connection, trust and leadership on their teams.
 
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.
 

Co-CEO Model in Action

In this episode of 'Responsible Disruption,' host Monique Blough engages in a dynamic conversation with Liz Weaver and Danya Pastuszek, Co-CEOs of the Tamarack Institute. The discussion delves into Tamarack's innovative Co-CEO model, tracing its origins, impact, and practical implications. Liz and Danya offer valuable insights into how Tamarack applies collaborative leadership principles internally, with a particular emphasis on trust and the 'Collaboration Spectrum.' As the conversation unfolds, the host explores various aspects of the model, including its effects on work/life balance, decision-making processes, and leadership continuity. Throughout, the episode engages listeners with thought-provoking discussions and real-world examples, shedding light on the complexities and benefits of Tamarack's unique approach to leadership.
 
Read about recent changes at Tamarack.
 
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.
 

Connection Between Design and Grief

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, we sit down with Riley Ohler, whose journey through grief has profoundly shaped his approach to design. Hosted by Sydney Johnson, the conversation unfolds as Riley reflects on the loss of his son Colin and the unconventional path his family chose to navigate through it. He shares insights into how empathy becomes a driving force in projects that directly impact lives. Join us as we explore the transformative power of design, the delicate balance between process and humanity, and the lessons learned in grief that ripple through every aspect of Riley's life.
 
 
Topics discussed in this episode.
Rotary Flames House Team Video 
Rotary Flames House (Children’s Hospital) Program
https://pilsc.org/
 
 
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.