Responsible Disruption

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.
 

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.