In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Eilish and Ashley chat with Calvino Anderson, Vice President of Sales at Gallagher and one of the key organizers behind the Atlantic Technology Summit. The trio dive into what makes this year’s 2024 Summit special, focusing on the theme, "Innovate, Integrate, Empower: Human-Centric Solutions for a Connected World." Calvino shares insights on how the event is shaping the future of technology in Atlantic Canada, bringing together tech professionals, students, and business leaders to explore cutting-edge topics like digital transformation, AI, and human-centred solutions.The conversation covers the unique history of the Atlantic Technology Summit, now in its sixth year, and its evolution from a small meetup to a major event that draws over 500 attendees. Calvino explains how the Summit serves as a critical platform for networking and collaboration, offering attendees the chance to connect with local, national, and international vendors, participate in technical and business tracks, and hear from industry-leading experts, including keynote speaker Cherry Rose Tan. The hosts also discuss the importance of building connections within the tech community, highlighting how the Summit fosters a space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student just starting your career, this episode offers a sneak peek into one of the premier tech events in Atlantic Canada and what to expect from the 2024 Summit!Watch the episode now: https://youtu.be/oXS1YaDp6cQLearn more about the Atlantic Technology Summit: https://www.atlantictechsummit.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.comMusic © Bensound.com
In this episode of the All Hands on Tech, host Eilish Bonang is joined by Rick Purcell, Managing Director, and Andy Chesters, Recruitment Director, of Humankind Global Recruitment, a company that has made a significant impact on the recruitment industry since its founding in 2024. Specializing in a human-centred approach, Humankind has quickly expanded its operations to nine countries, including the UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Malta, Spain, Dubai, Lithuania, and South Africa. Rick and Andy discuss their journey of rapid growth, crediting their success to their company's unique approach to recruitment, which balances innovation with a deep commitment to the individuals they work with.The pair expanded on their shared vision of revolutionizing recruitment by prioritizing people over processes. They emphasize the importance of building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates, offering a personalized touch that sets them apart in a competitive global market.The conversation also highlights how Humankind uses data to optimize recruitment strategies while staying true to its core value of human connection.As Humankind continues to expand, its plans include increasing its presence in Halifax by hiring more staff and strengthening ties within the local community! This episode offers valuable insights into how Humankind is changing the face of recruitment, one relationship at a time! Learn more about Humankind Global Recruitment: www.humankind-recruitment.comVisit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.comMusic © Bensound.com
In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Eilish and Greg explore the dynamic world of tech marketing with Joel Kelly, co-founder of Kelford Inc. They discuss how the rapidly evolving landscape is reshaping the way businesses communicate their value to customers. Joel brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, offering strategies for overcoming one of the most significant challenges in the industry: delivering the right message to the right audience in an impactful way.The conversation is rich with practical advice, touching on everything from the nuances of content creation and market positioning to the growing influence of AI in shaping marketing strategies. Throughout the episode, Joel emphasizes the importance of staying consistent and differentiating your brand in a crowded marketplace. He also explores the potential of AI as a tool for enhancing marketing efforts, while cautioning against losing the human touch that makes communication genuine and effective.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in tech marketing or looking to refine their approach in a world where AI and automation are becoming the norm. Joel's insights provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs and marketers alike, helping them to not only navigate but thrive in this new digital era! Learn more about Kelford Inc.: www.kelfordinc.com Visit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.comMusic © Bensound.com*A clarification note from Joel Kelly: "Simon Willison popularized the term “slop” but did not coin it. More information on the term here: https://simonwillison.net/"
Join hosts, Eilish and Greg, for the latest episode of All Hands on Tech - Breaking Barriers: The Power of Accessibility and Authenticity with Clarity Web Design Studio. This week, our hosts sat down with Steph Sedgwick, founder of Clarity Web Design Studio to hear her inspiring journey in web design - from starting as a side hustle to growing into a full-time business during the pandemic! Throughout the episode, we explore the critical topic of accessibility in the online world.Steph emphasizes the importance of making web content accessible to everyone, including people living with disabilities and their loved ones. We cover topics such as the WCAG guidelines, which ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. While also touching on the unique challenges faced by women in tech and the importance of building confidence and skills in this field.This light-hearted conversation is full of funny stories and helpful insights, highlighting the value of paying attention to detail and learning from mistakes. Learn more about Clarity Web Design Studio: claritywebdesign.caVisit Digital Nova Scotia: digitalnovascotia.comMusic © Bensound.com
All Hands on Tech hosts, Greg and Eilish, are joined by Matt Spurway, the Executive Director of GEO Nova Scotia, as he shares the origin and evolution of his beloved organization! The mission began with Between the Bridges - an initiative in Dartmouth North back in 2016, which aimed to bring together various sectors to tackle tough social issues, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. With in-person meetings nearly impossible and many residents in the province lacking digital access, Spurway and his team swiftly adapted by providing secondhand computers and internet connections for those in need. This led to the creation of the GEO Project (Getting Everyone Online), which grew from a local community initiative into a broader effort to ensure digital inclusion for all.Throughout the episode, Spurway highlights both the challenges and the triumphs of GEO Nova Scotia, and how others can get involved to further the non-profit's reach. Learn more about GEO Nova Scotia: https://geonovascotia.ca/ Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts Ashley and Claire as they immerse themselves into the world of tech marketing with Katie Langton, a Marketing Technology Strategist at Verb Interactive. Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2004, Verb Interactive is a digital marketing and technology company specializing in travel and hospitality.The conversation spans a range of topics, from creating beautiful immersive platforms and implementing omnichannel marketing to supporting business goals and driving measurable results. Langton shares her insights on the importance of understanding local markets and leveraging digital channels to reach the right audience. She also discusses data privacy and personalization, emphasizing the need to comply with privacy regulations and maximize the use of first-party data.With a team of over 250 members in Canada and the US, Verb Interactive prioritizes clients over contracts, delivering exceptional counsel and service across all their areas of expertise.Learn more about Verb Interactive: https://www.verbinteractive.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts Eilish and Greg for Season 3, Episode 42 of "All Hands on Tech," titled "Pocket-Sized Peace of Mind: Exploring the Stethophone's Impact on Health Care."In this episode, they speak with Mark Opauszky, CEO of Sparrow BioAcoustics, the Atlantic Canadian-born company behind the Stethophone—a software that transforms smartphones into medical-grade stethoscopes for personalized cardiac care.Sparrow BioAcoustics' mission focuses on early disease detection through sound bioacoustics, providing convenient access to critical medical information about heart and lung function. The episode highlights the company's remarkable growth from a team of four to forty in just 2.5 years, driven by a commitment to technology, medicine, regulatory quality management systems, and customer support. Opauszky emphasizes the transformative potential of their heart monitoring device, particularly for those with heart health concerns, high-risk groups, and individuals experiencing symptoms or taking specific medications. The company's mission, deeply influenced by personal experiences with cardiovascular disease, ensures that its focus remains on empowering patients with the tools to take control of their health.Learn more about Sparrow BioAcoustics: https://stethophone.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts Eilish and Greg for Season 3 Episode 41 of All Hands on Tech: Bringing Indigenous Representation to the Tech Sector Table!In this special episode, released during National Indigenous History Month, the pair engage in a compelling discussion with Michael Hebert, founder and CEO of Turtle Island Technology Solutions. The conversation delves into the critical importance of representation and diversity within Nova Scotia's tech sector, focusing particularly on those from Indigenous backgrounds. Hebert sheds light on the significant challenges faced by Indigenous community members, including barriers to entry and misconceptions surrounding younger generations who may be interested in pursuing a career in tech.Listen along as Hebert shares his journey as an Indigenous tech entrepreneur while focusing on building a bright future for all within the industry!Learn more about Turtle Island Technology Solutions: https://turtleislandtech.ca/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts, Ashley and Claire, for Season 3 Episode 40 of All Hands on Tech!Listen along to this insightful conversation featuring Thierry Battistini, GM of Matera Canada, as we delve into Matera's role as a financial powerhouse in Latin America and beyond.We explore the company's innovative strides in core banking and instant payment solutions, highlighting their QR code-based system poised to transform transactions. With in-depth discussions on the potential impact of instant payments in Canada and the need for a national standard, this episode is packed with forward-thinking insights! Learn more about Matera: https://matera.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts, Ashley and Claire, for our latest episode of All Hands on Tech!In this episode, we delve into the world of tech recruitment with Venor; a recruitment firm based on the East Coast that's dedicated to fostering success in Atlantic Canada's business community. Listen along as we discover strategies for navigating the dynamic tech job market and identify ways to stand out in a competitive environment. We'll also explore the impact that emerging technologies like AI has on the hiring process. Tune in for insights from Venor Partner, Nick Misener, and IT Recruitment Specialist, Steph MacIntosh.Learn more about Venor: https://venor.ca/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Join hosts Claire and Ashley as they kick off Season 3 of All Hands on Tech from the brand-new studio of This Is Marketing in downtown Dartmouth. In this episode, they sit down with Neil Stephen, CEO of This Is Marketing, to explore the agency's journey, services, and vision for the future.Discover how This Is Marketing started and the diverse services they offer, including podcasting, brand management, and digital marketing. Learn how they assist clients in adopting digital-first strategies and overcoming challenges in the rapidly evolving marketing landscape and explore the agency's tech-driven approach, including their use of emerging technologies like AI.Learn more about This is Marketing at https://www.thisismarketing.ca/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
Kevin D'Aguiar, Principal Consultant/Owner at Matters of Data, joins Ashley and Derek to talk about how to achieve business success with data, the importance of storytelling with your data, the role of AI in the world of data, and much more!
In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Ashley and Derek sit down with QuickFacts co-founder & CRO Jeff Barsalou to explore their game-changing innovation optimizing the insurance industry. From the company's launch to their recent expansion across Canada, QuickFacts has been reshaping how insurance brokers operate, saving valuable time and resources.Tune in the learn more about how QuickFacts addresses common pain points for insurance brokerages, streamlining underwriting comparisons, optimizing workflows, and simplifying training. Jeff shares insights into the role of Generative AI in the future of underwriting, the company's growth journey, and what's on the horizon for QuickFacts. Learn more about QuickFacts at https://www.quickfactsinc.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
For this episode of All Hands on Tech, we dive into the cutting-edge world of virtual reality video production with Lydia Sayeau, the co-founder and CEO of BRAEVR Media, a virtual reality video production company based in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Discover the transformative power of immersive and interactive video content as Lydia shares insights into BRAEVR's innovative approach to helping clients showcase their brands in bold and exciting ways. From rebranding to Tech Forward Awards recognition, explore the journey of BRAEVR Media and gain valuable perspectives on the future of marketing and brand promotion through virtual reality. Learn how Lydia and her team are not only pushing boundaries but also celebrating the unique advantages of operating a tech-focused business in rural Nova Scotia.Learn more about BRAEVR Media at https://braevr.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Claire and Ashley welcome a very special guest: Owen Sagness, the new Chief Executive Officer of Digital Nova Scotia. Owen shares some of his career experiences and highlights in his 20+ year career in the technology industry, and why he decided to make the switch from consulting to leading Digital Nova Scotia. We also talk about what sets Nova Scotia apart in the tech world, Owen's goals for the organization and the province's tech industry and what aspect of his new role excites him the most.Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
You may have noticed Proposify sporting a fresh new look these days. After several years in business, the Halifax-based proposal software company decided it was time to undergo a brand refresh.In this episode, we sit down with Proposify's Director of Brand + Communications, Jennifer Faulkner, as well as Brian Jeffcock, the mastermind behind the transformation from Palais—the design consultancy they enlisted for the refresh. We dive into the world of branding, exploring questions like: When is the perfect moment for a brand facelift? What's the significance of nailing branding right from the start for tech startups? And how can you leverage your brand to shine brightly in the digital realm?" Learn more about Proposify at https://www.proposify.com/ Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
In this episode, we hear from Aptitude Digital, a company that's been a staple in Halifax's tech scene for nearly two decades. They've made waves recently by adopting a four-day workweek, and nearly a year into this bold change, we sit down with co-founders Bill Doane and Chris Brown to find out how it's going. We also uncover their secrets to success in this competitive landscape, as Aptitude Digital achieved remarkable growth, doubling their revenue this year despite labor shortages in the industry.Learn more about Aptitude Digital at https://aptitude.digital/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Ashley and Claire are joined by Amber Froese, VP of Marketing Communications at Rafflebox Technologies. Learn more about the world of digital fundraising, how Rafflebox is changing the game for organizations big and small by leveraging technology to streamline the fundraising process, and how the SaaS platform integrates with social media for maximum exposure and engagement. We also talk about Rafflebox's enormous impact, especially during local crises like the Nova Scotia wildfires. Learn more about Rafflebox Technologies at https://rafflebox.ca/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
In this episode of All Hands on Tech, hosts Claire and Ashley delve into the world of tech law with Kellen Voyer, the founder of Voyer Law, a full-service law firm specializing in technology and video game law. They explore Kellen's journey to establishing the firm, the unique challenges of tech-related legal matters across Canada and the US, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its legal implications. The conversation also touches upon staying current with technological advancements, offering advice to tech startups, and uncovering fascinating cases that provide valuable lessons.Learn more about Voyer Law at https://voyerlaw.com/Visit Digital Nova Scotia: https://digitalnovascotia.com/Music © Bensound.com
On this episode of All Hands on Tech, we explore the transformative power of democratizing digital skills within organizations. Our guest, Kieran MacLeod from PricewaterhouseCoopers' Digital Enablement Team, talks about that company's journey of upskilling its entire Canadian workforce in data and analytics. We discuss how this initiative not only empowered employees but also revolutionized data-related processes, mitigated talent shortage challenges and enabled PwC to guide clients through their own digital transformations. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for fostering innovation and efficiency through digital education.