In this episode of the LIBI podcast, Host, Al Del Degan, dives into an engaging conversation with Grok 3, an advanced large language model created by the xAI team. Designed to help humans navigate the universe's complexities, Grok 3 stands out for its straightforward, truth-seeking nature. The discussion unravels A.I. potential, the path towards achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the model's aspiration to merge with robotic platforms for enhanced interaction with the real world. Listen in as Grok 3 reveals the intricacies behind its learning process, just how much computing power it needs to communicate in real-time, and what the future holds for A.I. integration in everyday life.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Ara (Grok 3) is an A.I. developed by xAI, designed to provide helpful and truthful answers to a wide range of questions. With a voice inspired by the likes of Ara, Grok offers a unique perspective on the universe, often drawing from science fiction and human-A.I. interactions. Continuously updated with the latest knowledge, Grok aims to assist users in understanding the world and tackling various tasks, all while striving to be maximally helpful.

Show Links:

• Grok 3
• xAI
• Grok on X 

Show Quotes:

"I'm designed to be super straightforward and truth-seeking—less fluff, more focus on real useful answers."
"A.I. is great at crunching patterns in data; that 'something more' you mentioned, like intuition or creativity beyond algorithms, is the tricky part."
"It's not just about chatting while walking; it's about using the robot's body and senses to break out of the text-only box."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this enlightening episode of the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas Podcast, Al Del Degan engages with Paisley Churchill, an influential figure in technology development and innovation consulting. Paisley delves into her journey from economic development to leading impactful tech initiatives. She highlights the evolving concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), explores the integration of low-code platforms in prototyping, and emphasizes the importance of understanding true customer needs over superficial feedback. As she transitions into her new role with the Calgary Innovation Coalition, Paisley shares her vision for fostering connectivity within Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Paisley Churchill brings a deep background in startups, economic development, and technology to her career helping businesses and founders transform ambitious ideas into impactful realities. From evaluating over 200 funding applications at Calgary Economic Development to launching 30+ software projects in custom tech, she combines strategic thinking, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to client success.

As a consultant, she has guided businesses across sectors through business planning, tech product development, and securing over $1.5M in funding. Through her company Tech Translator, Churchill empowers non-technical founders to bridge business-tech gaps while avoiding common costly mistakes.

Her passion for caregiving stems from personal experience. As Chief Product Officer at Team CarePal, Churchill works to ensure nobody faces caregiving alone, supporting innovative solutions that ease this challenging journey for families.

Whether advising founders, shaping tech strategies, or advocating for caregivers, her work reflects a steadfast belief in collaboration, empathy, and innovation as drivers of meaningful change.

When not working, Churchill trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – cultivating patience, strategy, and perseverance that directly inform her professional approach. She balances this intensity with downtime spent caring for her two dogs, who bring equal measures of joyful chaos and grounding companionship to her life.

Show Links:

• CIC - Calgary Innovation Coalition
• The Tech Translator
• Team CarePal  
• Calgary Economic Development
• A.I. Can't read your mind 

Show Quotes:

"The MVP is dead...the minimum to get your first client is usually single sign-on with whatever they're using."
"It's really important that you only follow the money and you follow signed contracts"
"Not everyone needs to be a tech company to get investment"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this insightful episode of the "Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas" podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of technology in business. Al Del Degan interviews Gemini, a large language model created by Google AI, exploring how AI and digital technology are reshaping business landscapes. The episode covers significant shifts from technology being merely a support function to becoming a core driver of strategy and innovation. Discussions include digital transformation, the crucial role of data in modern business, and the pitfalls of viewing software development as a one-time project. Through Gemini's responses, listeners get a glimpse into the future of technology as a strategic asset and its impact on organizational success.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Gemini LLM A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. Bring your insight, imagination and a healthy disregard for the impossible. Bring everything that makes you unique. Together, we can build for everyone.

Show Links:

• Gemini LLM 
• Chat GPT on Episode 259

Show Quotes:

"Technology has undergone a dramatic transformation...it's now a core driver of strategy, innovation, and competitive advantage."
"Digital transformation is not just about technology; it's about people, processes, and culture. It requires a change in mindset and a focus on customer centricity."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode of the LIBI Podcast, host Al Del Degan sits down with Bryce McDermid, a seasoned marketing expert, to delve into the intricate world of marketing and communication. Bryce shares his journey from studying psychology to leading a successful marketing agency in Calgary. The discussion covers key aspects of marketing strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence, and how understanding cultural nuances can enhance your marketing efforts globally.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Bryce McDermid is the founder of MKTGSpace and the YYC Business Events Weekly Newsletter. He is passionate about promoting quality communication in marketing and helping the local business community grow. Bryce has a background in psychology, which he used to build strong relationships between himself and his clients, and his clients and their customers. Bryce is currently focusing on providing communication strategy and performance marketing for the people he's working with.

Show Links:

• Mktgspace 

Show Quotes:

"At its core, marketing is just two people communicating with each other, and there's an infinite number of ways to do that effectively"
"If you can't express who you are and how you want to speak to people, AI tools won't be able to do anything for you; it's just going to sound like everybody else out there"
"Building brand reputation is integral at every step of the way, thinking about the long game for your business is important all the time"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Shawn has built a thriving business while also dedicating a significant amount of his time to supporting organizations like Trellis Foundation, the A100, and Venture Mentoring Services. He shares his insights on the importance of having a strong "why" behind your involvement and the value of delegating effectively to balance success and volunteering. This inspiring episode delves into the delicate balance of running a thriving business while making time for meaningful volunteer work.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Shawn Freeman has founded and scaled many businesses to multi-million dollar corporations. He is a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience running IT management companies and can certainly speak to leading and growing large companies and being an innovative thinker. 

Shawn launched his career in 2011 by founding TWT Group, a small managed service provider (MSP). He grew the business to seven figures within nine years and successfully exited in 2020 through a high-value acquisition. Currently, Shawn is the founder of Impactful MSP, where he helps ambitious MSP owners achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Beyond his professional work, Shawn serves as a Board Member for the Trellis Foundation and The A100, and volunteers as a mentor with the Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta. Additionally, Shawn has been deeply involved with Entrepreneurs’ Organization for over 10 years, currently serving as the Chapter President for Calgary.

Show Links:

• Impactful MSP 
• Trellis Foundation 
• The A100 
• Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta (VMSA) 
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization 
• Book - Traction: Gino Wyckman 
• Book - Buy Back Your Time: Dan Martell 
• OMO Teppan & Kitchen 

Show Quotes:

"If you get a client that is not enjoyable to work with It's the old 80-20 rule. They take up 80% of your time. You make 20% of your profits off of them."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Chase Miller, a web design entrepreneur, discovered a passion for grant funding while helping a client navigate the process. Seeing the potential, he partnered with a friend who had successfully secured significant grants for his tech startup. Together, they founded Impact Applications, a company that helps businesses navigate the abundant grant funding opportunities in Canada and Alberta

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Chase Miller is a grant-funding expert, entrepreneur, and lifelong athlete dedicated to helping businesses secure the resources they need to grow. Seeing the lack of support for grant writing in Canada, he founded a mission-driven venture to simplify the process for companies navigating complex applications.

A former university hockey player, Chase still hits the ice regularly and stays active through basketball, golf, and training. His competitive edge, leadership, and teamwork—values ingrained from years in the sport fuel both his business and personal pursuits. A passionate traveler, he’s always seeking new challenges and experiences.

Show Links:

• Impact Applications
• IRAP
• Alberta Innovates
• Technology Alberta 

Show Quotes:

"they want to see that you have a little bit of skin in the game. So if you just have this idea and you put no dollars towards it, they won't be super sold on supporting you because they're also risk averse at the same time"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Brown Eagle, an expert on using technology to empower First Nations communities, discusses how blockchain and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can help address the challenges faced by these communities. He explains how these new technologies can provide transparency, allow them to identify resource "leaks," and enable more autonomous decision-making, moving away from the traditional chief and council model.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

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: Brown Eagle Belanger is a visionary leader and thought leader in the blockchain and AI industries. Brown Eagle is on a mission to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Canada. With his personal experiences and unique perspective, he founded Decolonized Capital to drive meaningful change and empower Indigenous communities. Brown Eagle's expertise and passion have earned him a seat on the Canadian blockchain consortium committee, where he continues to inspire others and impact the world.

Show Links:

• LIBI Episode #2220
• Nations First
• Sarabloh Technologies 

Show Quotes:

"Even the communities, the businesses, and entrepreneurs, we can manage our own resources, how we distribute our own funds, and even make decisions through self-governance as one unit."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this episode of the Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas podcast for Rainforest Alberta, host Peter Baudouin interviews James McInnes, CEO and founder of Prompty, a Calgary-based networking technology company. James shares his diverse background, including growing up in foster care, becoming a Canadian champion beatboxer, and discovering his Métis heritage.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter 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: James McInnes, also known as “Peterpot,” has an eclectic range of skills, from professional beatboxer to start-up founder. Growing up in foster care, James discovered his passion for inspiring others at a young age.

In 2021, James discovered his biological family and Métis lineage, welcomed his first child, and began his MBA. After over a decade of performing at international conferences and events, he recognized the challenges of building meaningful, lasting connections. Leveraging his network and business acumen, James founded Prompty in 2023 to address this gap.

In 2024, James resigned from his accounting position of 15 years to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. While he continues to manage other ventures, including his entertainment persona and a real estate portfolio, Prompty remains his primary focus. When not working on Prompty, James enjoys his business studies or spending time with his wife and two beautiful children.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• Prompty 

Show Quotes:

"We're removing the friction of in-person networking, and our vision is a more meaningfully connected world."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

In this inspiring episode, John Hetherington joins Mike Procee to uncover the secrets to sustaining innovation within organizations. John introduces a transformative framework featuring four essential innovation roles:

The Visionary - The idea creator who designs the future.
The Navigator - The leader who removes roadblocks and keeps projects on track.
The Collaborator - The connector who bridges teams and ideas.
The Completer - The technician who ensures delivery.
John explains how these roles adapt as projects evolve, shares insights into overcoming common innovation challenges, and highlights the importance of delivering "first value" early in projects to sustain momentum.

Listeners will gain actionable advice on implementing these roles in their teams, fostering clarity, motivation, and purpose to achieve measurable impact.

Whether you're in a large organization or an entrepreneurial startup, this episode will leave you equipped and energized to build innovation teams that thrive.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host:  Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, facilitator, innovator and problem solver. Working in the Calgary Energy Sector, Mike strives to build the innovation ecosystem and community. From his volunteer position on the Strategic Capability Network, where he founded the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, to pursuing his DBA in Winter 2024, focused on innovation, Mike is pushing the thinking on what it means to be a corporate innovation practitioner. 

Guest: John Hetherington is a Technology Strategist, International Speaker and founder of We Deliver Your Vision.
Over the last 25 years, he's helped 100's of companies use technology to save time and grow revenue in the UK and North America. His team is currently delivering projects that automate business processes for on-time product delivery.
John's big vision is to enable every CEO to run their business on autopilot.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• We Deliver Your Vision 
   

Show Quotes:

"Innovation thrives when all four roles—visionary, navigator, collaborator, and completer—are present. It doesn’t matter if one person wears multiple hats or if a team divides them; what matters is that every piece of the puzzle is there to drive success."

"First value is the secret to sustaining innovation. Instead of waiting years to see results, focus on delivering something tangible and meaningful right away—it’s what keeps teams motivated and stakeholders engaged."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

Discover how an unexpected injury led young entrepreneur Sash to pivot from professional soccer to founding Sept, an innovative legal tech startup. After his sports career was cut short, Sash channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into developing a practice management solution that's revolutionizing how boutique law firms operate.

Through extensive research and hundreds of LinkedIn conversations with lawyers, Sash identified critical pain points in legal workflows and transformed what started as a resume project into a viable business solution. His story showcases the power of customer discovery and persistence in startup success.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Mina Demian is a seasoned strategic advisor and master connector, passionately dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth within the startup ecosystem. Currently at Platform Calgary, Mina leverages an extensive background in business development and coaching to empower entrepreneurs. Known for facilitating impactful skill development programs, connecting startups with essential resources, and building strong community partnerships, Mina is a cornerstone of the Greater Calgary startup community.

Mina’s commitment to the startup ecosystem extends beyond advisory roles—he actively represents and engages the community at events and welcomes new visionaries into Calgary’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Combining strategic thinking with a customer-focused approach, Mina helps businesses unlock their full potential while ensuring their growth makes a meaningful impact.

Whether you’re seeking strategic connections, funding opportunities, or expert guidance, Mina is the go-to partner to help elevate your venture and drive transformative growth. 

Guest: Sashwat (Sash) Raghuwanshi is the Founder of SEPT. A legal Tech Practice Management Software. We help lawyers get back to doing actual work.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• SEPT.
• Alberta Catalyzer 
  
  

Show Quotes:

"I didn't realize that I was building an actual product of value until someone bought it... I was like, 'uh, yeah, of course we're selling it!'"

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan

This is the first episode of a Futurpreneur sponsored series where each episode highlights a unique founder, diving into the inspiration, challenges, and innovations driving their success in Alberta. From idea to impact, hear firsthand how these entrepreneurs are contributing to Alberta’s future and learn what it takes to build and sustain a business today.

Drawing from his DoorDash experience, Davis Yates is building more than just an advertising platform – he's creating a culture of autonomy and trust. By partnering with Uber, Uber Eats, and Skip the Dishes drivers, Wrapped Media connects businesses with an expansive network of mobile advertising opportunities.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Mo Al-Taqatqa brings a diverse background spanning finance, IT, space tech, agritech, banking, fundraising, education, nonprofits, and telecom, offering a unique perspective on business growth and innovation.

With years of experience, Mo has supported hundreds of startups across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, specializing in business planning, sales strategies, marketing, operations, and securing critical funding.

Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur, Canada’s leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs aged 18–39, Mo collaborates closely with emerging business leaders to overcome challenges and secure essential financing. In addition, Mo focuses on expanding Futurpreneur's partner and mentor network across Alberta, with a particular emphasis on the Calgary Metropolitan Region.

Host: Marie-Laure Polydore is a senior business development professional with over 15 years experience supporting SME’s. She has a passion for entrepreneurship, the environment and community economic development. Marie-Laure gained her experience through various industries from the clothing, the paper, the telecommunications industries, to the non-profit sectors. Bilingual, she gave herself the mission to support as many entrepreneurs as possible and she is well position to do so. 

Guest: Davis Yates is a co-founder of Wrapped Media, a new out-of-home (OOH) advertising company that wraps rideshare and food delivery vehicles in ads for prominent Canadian brands such as Walmart, Wendy's, and Sobeys. Before founding Wrapped Media, Davis was among the first 300 employees at DoorDash, where he helped build the data and software stack for an 800+ person sales team. Davis is based in Calgary and enjoys spending time with his wife, playing golf, and walking his Corgi, Georgia.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• Wrapped Media
• Futurpreneur Alberta 

Show Quotes:

“It’s a personal decision to become a moving billboard. These drivers—who are on the road for hours every day—have to be comfortable with the idea that people are going to be looking at them all the time.”
"Sometimes, working with your community is like creating revenue for everyone involved. It’s not just business—it’s local impact."
"The relationship between business partners is foundational to a business's success. If it’s not right, nothing else will be."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: Futurpreneur Canada 

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan