Ingenious Thinkers

In this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, host Ken Tencer sits down with Jason Finucan, founder of StigmaZero, to explore how we can move beyond outdated stereotypes and reshape the way society approaches mental health. Jason shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind his work, and why breaking down stigma is essential for building healthier workplaces and communities. Together, they discuss practical strategies for fostering open conversations, creating inclusive cultures, and redefining mental health as a source of strength rather than silence.

Looking back on this year, we’re grateful for every inspiring conversation, every story shared, and every guest who brought their unique perspective to the table. Your voices have shaped Ingenious Thinkers into what it is today. Thank you for being part of this community — we can’t wait to bring you even more brilliant minds and game-changing ideas in 2026.

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Mario Simon, consumer expert and growth-oriented leader, recognized for developing talent and highly engaged teams. In this episode, we discuss his professional journey and personal philosophy. Simon shares his academic background in behavioral economics and his career in consulting and brand valuation. He emphasizes his life's purpose: to create spaces where people are their best, which he achieves through coaching and leadership. He also introduces his upcoming book, "Free You From You," which explores shedding self-limiting programs to realize one's full potential, using his own experience overcoming a stutter as an example.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Mario Simon:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-simon-2abaa01/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction3:00 Professional journey and business experience8:00 Understanding and maximizing your gift12:00 Success as an inside-out job20:00 Navigating Complex vs. Wicked Challenges30:00 Simon's book, "Free You from You" ...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Coaching, life coach, mario simon coach, changemakers

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Alieu Jallow, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Specialist at the City of Mississauga. In this episode, we talk about his experiences founding Gambia's first business incubator, supporting numerous startups and small businesses, and his current role in Mississauga's economic development office. He highlights the various programs and initiatives offered by Mississauga to support businesses at different stages, from initial ideas to scaling, including unique approaches like "reverse pitches" where investors explain their criteria to entrepreneurs.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Alieu Jallow:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alieujallow1/🔹 Website: https://www.mississauga.ca/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:30 Gambian economy and entrepreneurship8:00 Role and programs at the City of Mississauga11:00 Mississauga's holistic approach to entrepreneurship16:30 Youth advisory group for the World Bank...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Entrepreneurship, Gambia

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Lisett Luik, Co-Founder of Arbonics, a company that aims to create high-quality carbon credits by using a data-driven approach combined with traditional forest knowledge, incentivizing landowners to plant and maintain forests. This episode highlights Luik's background and then expands on how Arbonics bridges the gap between landowners and large corporations, such as Microsoft, that seek to offset their carbon footprint. The company utilizes digital twin technology to assess land suitability for reforestation and project carbon sequestration, ultimately working towards a goal of one gigaton of total carbon removals to combat the climate crisis.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Lisett Luik:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisettluik/🔹 Website: https://www.arbonics.com/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction3:00 The new forest economy5:15 Carbon credits and incentivizing landowners9:30 Arbonics as the bridge18:15 Nature's role in addressing climate change20:15 Digital twin technology...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Lisett Luik, Lisett Luik Arbonics, Estonia, Forest economy, carbon credits

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Julie Smithson, Co-Founder of Metavrse, an open-source 3D creation platform for the spatial web. In this episode, we discuss her journey from hotel management to being recognized as a Top Woman of the Future, highlighting the evolution of her company from creating the world's first touchscreen DJ controller to developing immersive training solutions. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, community engagement, and adopting innovative mindsets to navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape, including the impact of AI and blockchain on industries and daily life.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Julie Smithson:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smithson/🔹 Website: https://metavrse.com/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction3:56 Being a visionary thinker8:02 Community and continuous learning11:58 AI advancements and blockchain's role24:30 Human ingenuity vs. Artificial ingenuity34:25 The Metavrse43:30 The future with spatial computing...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Julie Smithson, Metavrse, VR, AR, blockchain, deepfake, humanics, spatial web, open ai, women in tech, tech, 3D

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Sarah Lambert, Co-Founder of Ora Medical. In this episode, we discuss the development and purpose of their innovative walking aid for pediatric rehabilitation, highlighting its portability and body weight support system. Lambert also explains their new AI-powered application for remote physical therapy and the company's global expansion, sharing a powerful story of a child who made significant progress using their device.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Sarah Lambert:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ora/🔹 Website: https://www.oramedical.ca/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:15 Origin of Ora Medical3:53 The Levity device6:41 Ora Connect and remote therapy10:04 The future of AI in healthcare15:40 Advocating for accessibility and funding...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Ora Medical, children's rehabilitation innovation, children's rehabilitation services, pediatric rehabilitation counselor, Montreal

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Jennifer Cote, Co-Founder and CEO of Opalia Foods. In this episode, we talk about Opalia's technology which involves growing mammary cells in a lab to produce milk, and highlights the environmental benefits and potential of this approach compared to traditional dairy farming. It also touches upon the entrepreneurial journey of starting such a disruptive company, including fundraising and overcoming challenges. We talk about Jennifer's passion for sustainability and her belief that this technology offers a viable solution to meet the growing demand for dairy products in a more sustainable way.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Jennifer Cote:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cote/🔹 Website: https://www.opaliafoods.com/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction5:33 Making Milk from Mammary Cells9:26 Environmental Sustainability Impact13:45 The Entrepreneurial Journey19:23 Business Model and Ideal Customers21:20 Fundraising and AgriTech Forum...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:Opalia, diary, milk, mammary cells

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Jason Elate, Founder of InsectFlux. In this episode, we discuss his mantra of creating the future through reverse engineering and how this philosophy led him to address global issues like the food waste crisis and population growth by focusing on the insect industry. Elate explains that InsectFlux is building a global B2B2C marketplace to connect the agri-food industry, which has organic waste, with the insect farming industry, which needs insect feed, thereby creating a circular economy and new revenue streams. We also touch upon the challenges and opportunities in this emerging market, the company's business model based on transaction fees and promotions, and their long-term vision for the future of insect-based products and waste utilization.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Jason Elate:🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-elate-34b760255/🔹 Website: https://insectflux.com/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction.4:00 The Food Waste Crisis.7:15 Insect Flux's Solution.15:50 The Journey from Idea to Launch.20:25 The Paradox of Being First & Human Psychology.24:35 Food Waste as Currency....Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Aki Temiseva, President and CEO of United Nations Association Canada. In this episode, we explore his background, journey into the non-profit sector, and current role. Temiseva highlights UNA-Canada's mission to strengthen Canada by promoting UN values and programs domestically, focusing on gender equity, inequality, climate change, peace, and innovative partnerships, often acting as a bridge-builder to unite different groups. A key focus is empowering youth through various programs and initiatives, including international internships and supporting young leaders addressing issues like climate change and political engagement, showcasing their intelligence and drive for positive change. We also talk about UNA-Canada's work with Indigenous communities in Canada, emphasizing building relationships and supporting youth-led initiatives to address local issues.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Aki Temiseva:🔹 LinkedIn: 🔹 Website: Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction.1:16 Work history and moving to Canada.2:32 Discussion of UN values.4:41 The youth and future leadership.8:01 UNA-Canada youth programs and internships.9:06 UNA-Canada's role as the geographical vertical of the UN focused on strengthening Canada.10:08 The SDGs that UNA-Canada prioritizes in Canada.11:53 Canada's largest AI hackathon.14:43 Indigenous communities and reconciliation.17:49 How Aki measures success.18:38 Closing....Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges.Hosted by:Ken TencerProduced by:Sonia RomeroMatt Miller...Tags:UNA-Canada, United Nations Association Canada, Canadian politics, United Nations song, united nations association

Joining us on Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Jesse Sharratt, Co-Founder and COO of LAUFT, the most flexible on-demand network of space designed for people with the freedom to work from anywhere. Sharratt discusses his background, the founding vision of LAUFT as a revenue-generating amenity for various property types beyond traditional offices, and their focus on creating experiences and fostering community. He highlights LAUFT's innovative projects, including workspaces in self-storage facilities and a government contract, emphasizing the evolving landscape of work towards greater flexibility and distributed models. Sharratt also shares his travel experiences and how they shaped his perspective on connecting people and optimizing their work-life balance.Listen on 👇🔹 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uIB9Gc 🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Rn7FYdConnect with Jesse Sharratt:🔹 LinkedIn:   / jessesharratt  🔹 Website: https://www.lauft.work/Connect with us 😊🔹 https://linktr.ee/SayHitotheFuture...Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:02 The evolution of remote work 5:07 Reimagining the use of commercial real estate7:53 Personal benefits of remote work9:31 The origin of LAUFT and Jesse's back story11:00 A flexible workspace network11:57 Innovative use of self-storage facilities13:30 Community engagement in Toronto15:28 Website statement and core values17:00 Fostering community within LAUFT's flexible spaces18:18 Collaborating with the Canadian government20:37 Potential expansion to Prince Edward Island21:31 Jesse's global travel experiences and their Influence...Know someone who is clever, inventive, and original? Reach out to our producer at sromero@spyder.works. We’d love to chat!...Part podcast, part blog series, part live event, Say Hi to the Future is an inclusive platform aimed at highlighting the human side of ingenuity: clever, inventive, and original thinking. Our goal is to highlight new and interesting ways of looking at the world by speaking with ingenious thinkers and doers from all walks of life. With an eye toward the future, Say Hi to the Future's mandate is to explore how non-conventional thinkers are taking on some of our most pressing contemporary challenges....Tags:LAUFT, remote work, WFH, RTO, future of work, future of humanity, remote work jobs, remote work Canada, work from anywhere jobs, work from home

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Alan McLaren, Co-Founder of STRATA Originals an organization that helps CEO’s, entrepreneurs, founders and executive teams build authority and influence with clarity, conviction and authenticity.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Caitlin Begg, Founder of Authentic Social, an applied research lab at the intersection of sociology and technology.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Phnam Bagley, industrial designer, futurist and aerospace architect creating cutting-edge hardware and experiences in Wearables, Healthcare and Wellness, Education, Robotics, Transportation, and Aerospace.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Jahnavi Mange. Jahnavi is a transformational catalyst with a passion to create leadership and compassion for climate solutions and social innovation.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Dr. Amanda Cheromiah, Executive Director at Center for the Futures of Native Peoples, Dickinson College.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Dr. Russell J. Ledet, Physician-Scientist, Tillman Scholar, and Health Disparities Advocate.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Peter M. Krask, President and Founder of The Creative Guide, a platform that helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators unleash the full power of their creativity, move beyond their limits, and achieve their goals.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Achille Ettorre, a seasoned AI and analytics executive, TEDx speaker, and author of The Digital Advantage.

Joining us on Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers hosted by Ken Tencer today is Qiana Mickie, a New York City based food systems leader and speaker that uses food as a driver of enterprise, innovation, and equity....Audio Edited by Matt Miller