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Between Meetings

Between Meetings

Author: Marian Danko

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Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.

42 Episodes
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In a recent episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Cree. Our conversation delved into his experiences leading the mission-driven venture Common Good, the challenges he faced along the way, the growth of Calgary's startup ecosystem, and his aspirations to bring innovation to city governance as a city council candidate.Takeaways:When we started COMMONGOOD, we thought we understood the problem.When someone has a mission, they put their heart into it.To run a profit...
In a recent episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing Benjamin Reeves, SVP of Data Science & Engineering at Viewpoint and the Founding Director of the YYC Data Society. Our conversation spanned a range of thought-provoking topics, including the current state of data science and AI development, the ethical implications of applying AI in the financial sector, and the immense potential for Calgary to establish itself as a leading hub for applied data science and artific...
In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Grantmyre, a Partner at Osler. During our conversation, we delved into various topics, including his role in the community, his passion for startups, Osler's packages designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs, and the reasons behind his move from Toronto to Calgary. Michael also shared common mistakes that startups make and offered valuable advice.Takeaways:Always be more than just a lawyer.I really view my r...
In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sabina Bruehlmann, CEO at Nimble Science. We discussed the role of a PhD in running a startup, Sabina's unique expertise, her initial experience with startups, and why Calgary is an excellent location to start your business.Takeaways:Any startup founder who is thinking about the salary is not a true startup founder.A PhD does not necessarily make a great startup founder.Entrepreneurship has become significantly more chal...
In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Dahl, Director of ElevateIP at Innovate Calgary. Our conversation dove into his professional journey, explored the early days of Calgary's innovation ecosystem, highlighted his impactful stint at Plug and Play, and delved into his current role at Innovate Calgary. Takeaways:I am always in the corner of the underdog.Fifteen years ago, innovation was just this little shiny object over to the side.Becoming a star...
In a recent installment of Between Meetings, I had the privilege of interviewing Ken Xu, a Partner at CMC Capital Partners. Our conversation delved into the formative years of the VC industry in China, his experiences at Gobi Partners, and the pivotal decisions that startup founders must navigate in a post-COVID world.Takeaways:Back in the early 2000s, 75% of Gobi's startups were from BeijingThe effects of COVID-19 will stick around longer than we thinkCMC Capital Partners mainly invests in C...
I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Daydou, Partner at EY Fabernovel, in a recent episode of Between Meetings. We discussed various topics, including her childhood dream of visiting the Shaolin Temple, the valuable lessons she learned while running two startups, her dedication and hard work at Fabernovel, as well as the challenges that international companies encounter in China and much more.Takeaways:What kept me in China was the feeling that I was in the center of everything fascinati...
On the latest episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing Oscar Sum. He discussed his international background and shared his journey from being a dentist in the UK to founding a tech startup in China. Oscar delved into the challenges of dentistry and candidly shared the mistakes he made as a first-time entrepreneur.Takeaways:Understanding science and practical application are two different skillsI sought a challenge and chose a different path than my peers in dentistryThe...
During a recent episode of Between Meetings, I engaged in a captivating conversation with Scott Pollack, delving into his early experiences in Asia, his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, the transformative shift from being a player to a coach, and his ongoing role as a CEO and leadership team coach.Takeaways:One of the takeaways from my early career was learning how a laptop can travel. It's a mentality.I decided to transition from being a player to a coach to have a meaningful impact on pe...
In a recent episode of Between Meetings, Mark Bawtree discussed his journey towards sustainability, the lessons he learned while running his startups, the challenges of ESG, and how Akila is aiding its clients in making data-driven decisions.Takeaways:Renewable energy sources have increasingly targeted the local market from a sales perspective, whereas they were primarily manufactured for the international market in the pastThe potential for profit in the local market has led to a faster adop...
I recently hosted Thomas Knoop on the latest episode of Between Meetings. During the interview, Thomas shared his experiences of doing business in China, including the changes he has seen in the business landscape over the past decade, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transformation in his client base. Takeaways:Doing business in China requires a different approach compared to western countriesInnovation is key in a rapidly developing market like ChinaI prioritize u...
I interviewed Cheng Fu on the latest episode of Between Meetings where he talked about his transformation from a backend developer to a business unit lead. We also discussed Builtopia and its benefits for SMEs and the challenges in the Metaverse industry.Takeaways:I put in diligent effort and smart strategies to attain my opportunitiesI had a well-structured career planI understood that sacrifices were necessary for growthI joined a small startup to gain insights into startup operationsThe pr...
I interviewed Shameen Prashantham on the latest episode of "Between Meetings." We discussed the inspiration behind his book "Gorillas Can Dance" and explored the complexities of startup-corporate collaboration. Shameen shared valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and how CEIBS is grooming the next generation of leaders.Takeaways:What I’ve seen as constant is recognition of the importance of innovation Some of the smaller companies have no choice but to learn to dance with big gori...
We discussed Vincent's family business, the concept of sustainability in fashion, perceptions of social entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in a sustainable fashion. He shared the story of REMAKEHUB and offered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Takeaways:We are going from a linear to a circular modelWhat is considered sustainable today may not be considered sustainable in the futureMany things come from unexpected placesMaterials science and supply chain is the core of the industryGi...
We discussed Cyril's background and experiences as an entrepreneur, the changes and developments in eCommerce in recent years, the use of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in marketing, and the challenges Chinese brands face when expanding globally, among other related topics. Takeaways:I started in China because it was cheapAdmin part of the entrepreneurship journey never bothers meIn terms of the business model you need to follow market trendsIt is not easy for brands to make money on eCommer...
Takeaways:Coca-Cola and Disney in China are still a bit different from Coca-Cola and Disney in the USAct localYou have to be agile to product-market fitFind a team that is a mission-drivenExecute. Win. CelebrateLes Mills works with over 2000 gyms and clubs in China70 m people who regularly exercise in China, which is 5% of the total populationTo fit the local market we need to develop content tailored more toward beginnersBrian's career had bounced between places in the US and China in the la...
Takeaways:As I got older I just did not feel I could have the impact that I wanted to haveWe sweat and we connectAs a generation, we are moving less than ever beforeMake movement a fundamental human rightMovement is medicineIf you don’t have guanxi and you are not working with local bureaus and local governments you gonna hit a wall of resistance that I don’t think you can get passedExternal accountability: do not go alone!Born and raised in California, Cory Arth is an APTA American Board-Cer...
Takeaways:East and West work cultures are very much built on relationshipIn Hong Kong, the teams work around the clockWe have been training these models with historical data, data that created a lot of social disparity and biases, and inherited inequalityESG becomes a little bit more of a marketing conversation and brandingThe real work comes after you know what your North Star isI hope more people can see the long-term impact on their decision-making processIf you are not tested you do not k...
Takeaways:Quite a fair amount of international insurance companies are not making much money in ChinaWe are counting on the high-net-worth local population eventually will get insuredHealthcare cost is really expensive in ShanghaiLocal players put a lot of effort into digitalizationInsurance is still a very traditional industryPeople are looking for more globally portable solutionsTeleconsultation and AI Underwriting are disrupting the industryJonathan Chapon is an experienced General Manager...
Takeaways:Group classes are on the riseLocalization is key to the success of the American tech company in ChinaMore boutique studios with professional couches coming in In China, there is still a very low penetration rate for the fitness industry Traditional big open-space gyms are struggling with their current business models focusing only on long-term membershipClassPass in 30 countries, but only in China ClassPass operates in a different wayAt ClassPass the management saw the Chi...
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