The GovMaker Podcast

In this first interview of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into the public sector and the insights she’s gained from working across government, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments.Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.The conversation also turns to storytelling as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

New season, new intro! In this episode of the GovMaker podcast, hosts Nick Scott and Jason Pearman are joined by Pond Deshpande, Executive Director, Vanessa Paesani, to discuss the upcoming season and the 2025 GovMaker Conference in partnership with the Canadian Open Data Summit. The episode includes reflections on past seasons and a preview of what's to come in Season 3!

In this final episode of the GovMaker podcast season two, we bring you an exclusive live recording from GovMaker 2024. Hosted by Nick Scott, this special episode features an insightful conversation with the newly elected Premier of New Brunswick, Susan Holt. During the discussion, Premier Holt reflects on her inspiring journey to the highest office in the province, sharing the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped her leadership style. She opens up about the profound influence her parents had on her values and approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of integrity, resilience, and empathy. As the conversation unfolds, Holt explores the critical role of collaboration in effective governance, stressing how building meaningful connections and fostering cooperation across sectors are essential for transforming government. With a focus on the future, she discusses her vision for New Brunswick and the importance of creating a more innovative, and forward-thinking government. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on the role of leadership in shaping our collective future.

In this conversation, Nick Scott shares his experiences and insights on driving innovation and change within government. He discusses the importance of serendipity and how seemingly unrelated experiences and connections can come together to create opportunities. Nick also talks about the challenges he faced in changing the culture of government and the need for empathy and self-care in leadership roles. He highlights the value of building networks and creating spaces for experimentation and learning. Stay tuned for the release of the last episode of the season next Wednesday with a special guest!

In this conversation, Nick Scott questioned Jason Pearman about his Hero journey as a public servant. Jason breaks down the process of transforming government and shares his experiences in implementing innovative practices. He discusses the Open Policymaking Toolkit and the importance of providing the right level of information and technical assistance to professionals. Jason also highlights the role of champions and supporters in crafting an enabling environment for innovation in the public sector.

In this conversation, Honey Dacanay discusses the challenges and strategies for driving innovation in the public sector. Key themes include the impact of time pressures on innovation, the importance of leveraging political capital, and the need for effective leadership succession. Dacanay emphasizes understanding organizational readiness for change and empowering colleagues to take initiative. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration and continuous learning in fostering a culture of innovation within public service. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of the GovMaker podcast, Jason Pearman and Nick engage with Marlie Kikiboom, who shares her journey from the Netherlands to Canada and her experiences in public service. Marlie discusses her work in ethnographic research, systemic design, and social innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge co-production. She introduces the concept of the 'Ministry of Unbounded Affairs' as a way to approach public service challenges without the constraints of traditional departmental boundaries. The conversation explores the idea of rewilding government, personal transformation, and the challenges faced in public service, culminating in rapid-fire questions that reveal Marlie's insights on government work and the importance of relationality in public service. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this conversation, Kelly Lamrock discusses the systemic failures of government as highlighted in his reports, 'How It All Broke' and 'What We All Want.' He emphasizes the need for significant reforms in public service, focusing on the importance of outcomes over outputs, the role of incentives, and the necessity of leadership that prioritizes collective goals. Lamrock advocates for decentralizing decision-making to empower frontline workers and improve service delivery, ultimately aiming to close the gap between policy promises and actual outcomes for citizens. He also offers advice to public servants on embracing discomfort to drive meaningful change, while reflecting on the importance of gratitude in their roles. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Our co-hosts Nick Scott and Jason Peerman are joined by Katie Davey, Executive Director of the Pond-Deshpande Centre, to discuss the central theme of this season's podcast, highlighting the need to transform public services and pave the way for the next generation of public servants. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠⁠!

In this engaging conversation, René Boudreau shares his journey in public service, highlighting his role in founding Brilliant Labs to drive innovation in public education. He discusses the significance of empathy and kindness in leadership, reflecting on his own experiences and failures. Boudreau advocates for empowering individuals within government to drive change and highlights the crucial role politicians play in governance. The discussion also touches on the need for rapid adaptation and the importance of maintaining connections with the outside world. Ultimately, Boudreau encourages leaders to foster a culture of kindness and support within their teams. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠⁠!

In this conversation, Jason Pearman interviews Lauren Hunter about her extensive experience in public sector innovation. They discuss her journey into government, the challenges of bureaucracy, and the establishment of the Innovation Hub at Natural Resources Canada. Lauren shares insights on key initiatives like the Free Agent Program and the ADAPT team, as well as her current projects focused on resilience and food security. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, the need for systemic change, and the role of behavioral nudges in improving public service outcomes. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at ⁠govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca⁠!

In this conversation, Dr. Alex Ryan shares his journey into public service and transformation, discussing his experiences in the military, the founding of Alberta CoLab, and the challenges faced in public sector innovation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding complexity, the role of people in decision-making, and the need for adaptive learning in transformation efforts. Dr. Ryan reflects on his personal growth and offers advice for future leaders in navigating the complexities of public service. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca!

In this episode of GovMaker, Nick Scott and Jason Pearman engage in a deep conversation with Rebecca McSheffery, the Director of NouLab in New Brunswick. They explore Rebecca's journey from her early passion for equity to her impactful work in public sector innovation. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the need for change agents within government. Rebecca shares her experiences during her internship at the government of New-Brunswick, the challenges she faced, and her vision for a more innovative and inclusive public service. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collaboration, creativity, and the power of networks in driving social change. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca!

In this first episode of the GovMaker Podcast Season 2, hosts Nick Scott and Jason Pearman engage in a deep conversation with Ryan Androsoff, a digital government expert and CEO of ThinkDigital. They explore Ryan's journey into public sector innovation, the challenges of government bureaucracy, and the importance of user-centric design in government services. Ryan shares insights on building the Canadian Digital Service, the impact of previous initiatives, and offers advice for future public sector innovators. The discussion also touches on Ryan's vision for the future of government and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal his thoughts on government, technology, and historical figures. Join the conversation on the Pond-Deshpande Social media platforms and secure your spot today for GovMaker 2024 at govmaker2024.eventbrite.ca!

Join Nicholas Scott in a captivating conversation with Professor Jenny Lewis, a leading thinker in public policy and public administration. Discover the lasting impact of new public management, the transformative effects of COVID-19, and the crisis of expertise within policy functions. Explore the vital role of universities in rebuilding capabilities and engaging in impactful policy work. Gain valuable advice for organizations transitioning out of their operations and learn from successful models of sustained collaboration. Tune in to explore the evolving world of public policy and its future challenges.

Join host Nick Scott in a captivating conversation with Dr. Gayle MacDonald as they explore the vital collaboration between academia and government. Discover the challenges, stereotypes, and misconceptions that hinder this partnership, and gain insights into successful initiatives that have transformed policies and research. Explore the importance of trust, communication, and the role of boundary organizations like NBSPRN in bridging the gap. Uncover the evolving landscape of academia and government, and the pressing need for continued collaboration in addressing crucial issues. Don't miss this enlightening episode on building a stronger relationship between academia and government for a better future.

Join Nicholas Scott in a thought-provoking interview with Dr. Ted McDonald, Executive Director of NBIRDT, as they discuss the journey of the New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network. This conversation explores the challenges and successes in establishing an infrastructure that supports evidence-based policy making, breaking down silos, and fostering collaboration between academia and government. You'll gain insights into the transformative impact of bridging research and policy. Prepare to be inspired to make a difference in the lives of citizens through evidence-based decision making.

Nicholas Scott chats with former Premier of New Brunswick, David Alward. They discuss the significance of collaboration and bridging boundaries to advance social progress. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting Canadians, researchers, students, startups, and the local ecosystem to foster social change. David also emphasizes the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical role of diplomats in ensuring essential supplies for Canada. The interview further explores the need for timely access to research and knowledge in government decision-making. The discussion also touches on the leadership qualities demonstrated by individuals like Andy Scott, who championed social progress and stood up for his beliefs. This discussion shares insights into the power of bridging boundaries, cultivating long-term visions, and fostering collaboration across different sectors to drive positive change in social policy.

In this episode, Judy Wagner, former Clerk of the Executive Council of Government of New Brunswick, shares her insights on evidence-based policy-making. She highlights the importance of engaging stakeholders, being iterative in policy development, and building relationships with academics to inform policy decisions. Wagner also emphasizes the need for funding for evaluation components within projects and programs. Finally, she pays tribute to the late Andy Scott and his passion for making New Brunswick a better place through evidence-based policy-making.

In this episode, Nicholas Scott speaks with Claire Morris, the first board chair of NBSPRN and former clerk of the executive council in New Brunswick, about SPRN's mission, which was to connect academic researchers, students, and government staff to collaborate and develop evidence-based public policy. They also talk about the challenges of achieving this mission, as well as the potential gap left by NBSPRN as it ends its operations. Claire shares her memories of Andy Scott, a former member of parliament and key figure in the network's creation, and reflects on his impact and legacy. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the network's relationships and pathways for future collaborations.