Conversations That Matter

Ep 517 - A crisis of indecision in Canada Guest: Gavin Dew   By Stuart McNish   On June 26th, Gavin Dew posted disappointing news on his LinkedIn profile. After four years of planning, fundraising, and negotiation with the City of Abbotsford, the Tech District project was pulling the plug. Dew says, “We couldn't keep spending time and money without a clear signal from city council that this $5-billion private sector investment would be approved.”   Dew said, “I know a lot of people are disappointed. I'm proud of the work we did to develop the project vision, invite people in, and build community support. And I'm obviously disappointed at this lost opportunity to deliver affordable housing, high quality education, and a hub for food innovation in Canada's most productive agricultural jurisdiction.”   Dew went on to say the lack of a clear signal from city council “is indicative of a crisis of indecision in Canada. We have become the land of the slow maybe, where process has become an end in itself, decisions are elusive, and leaders refuse to lead.”   We invited Gavin Dew to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our inability to get to “yes” and what it is doing to our reputation as a place to innovate and grow.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep - 516 - Weaving Two Worlds Guests: Christy Smith - Michael McPhie   By Stuart McNish   “The key to the Canadian economy is in the hands of First Nations,” says Christy Smith and Michael McPhie in their book, “Weaving Two Worlds,” a guide to economic reconciliation. According to Smith, “The intent of the book is to help First Nations, governments, and companies work together in the development of natural resources.”   McPhie says, “We believe the resource sector and the people within it have a meaningful role to play in advancing reconciliation. Done right, the outcome will be greater social, environmental and economic well-being for all.”   One court decision after another has been shaping the way Canada can and does develop its resources. According to Smith and McPhie, “Now is the time to create opportunities that provide First Nations access to the economic opportunities that will create ownership, employment, funds for education and will combat poverty.   We invited Christy Smith and Michael McPhie to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the path forward, together.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 515 - Electronic Recycling Done Right Mohammad Doostmohammadi    By Stuart McNish   “There are six elements that play a key role in optimizing fuel and chemical production,” says Mohammad Doostmohammdi of pH7. “Without them, green hydrogen, low-carbon steel, biofuels and other climate technologies are not possible.” Those six elements are platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium – and they are among the rarest on earth.   While challenging to identify ore bodies with mineable resources, there is an emerging opportunity in recovery. “There are 17.4 million troy ounces of these elements that have already been mined and are available to be recovered from catalytic converters, mobile phones, computer disks and aircraft turbines.”   Until now, the process of recovering these elements was uneconomical. Doostmohammdi says, “These challenges notwithstanding, several factors have combined to spotlight their growing importance.”   We invited Mohammad Doostmohammdi to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the process his team has developed that reduces costs and increases productivity in the realm of critical mineral recovery.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 514 - Real Estate Lessons from Singapore Guest: Ernst Lang   By Stuart McNish   “We can learn a few things from Singapore,” says Ernst Lang, the founder and CEO of Promerita Group. “Singapore has been getting housing right for many decades. In fact, it has found a way to make most of its housing affordable whilst also protecting the value of privately owned homes.”   According to a report by the Urban Land Institute, “private homes in Singapore are the most expensive in Asia” with an average value of $1.7 million US. However, the ULI report states that public housing in Singapore is the “most attainable” when it comes to home ownership – 90 percent of the people in the country own their home.   Lang says, “Even more remarkable is the cost in relation to median annual income. In Singapore, the median home price to income ratio is 5. In Vancouver, according to Rates.ca, the average home price is 249% more than an average household can afford.”   How and what are they doing in Singapore that we can learn from?   We invited Ernst Lang of Promerita to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Singapore's housing market and what lessons we could apply here.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 513 - British Columbia's Lacklustre Prosperity Guest: David Williams   By Stuart McNish   According to the 2024 British Columbia Prosperity Index, “BC places 11th out of 21 peer jurisdictions for overall prosperity.” The study was developed with the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, which compares BC's performance on a range of economic, business, social and environmental indicators.   David Williams says, “There is no medal for 11th place and for good reason. This matters for young families and people aspiring to build a future in this province. Prosperity is crucial.”  The report is filled with disheartening numbers about BC's place on the Prosperity Index.   The Index reports that British Columbia is “11th of 21 jurisdictions in Business Well-Being, 15th in Economic Well-Being, 7th in Societal Well-Being, 12th in Labour Productivity, 13th in Innovation Ranking, 13th in Income Inequality and 18th for Housing Affordability.”   We invited David Williams, the Vice President of Policy at the Business Council of British Columbia, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the factors that are driving down prosperity in BC and what we can do to reverse this trend.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

July 12, 2024 Ep 512 - To the Edge of Death and Back Guest: Paul Dragan   By Stuart McNish Ten years ago on June 10, 2014, Paul Dragan sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee across the street from his business, Reckless Bikes. He took a sip and as he looked up, a heavyset man wearing a bicycle helmet came around the corner, pulled out a gun and shot Paul in the chest. He landed on the ground, blood pouring out of his chest.   “Were it not for a series of remarkable events, I'd be dead,” says Dragan. “A doctor was standing feet away at the time I was shot. An ambulance miracle – Vancouver Hospital was minutes away and 14 minutes later, I was in the emergency room with my life in the hands of a surgeon who was not going to let me die.”   Six days later Dragan woke up in a hospital bed, his wife and son next to him. For six days, they've been racked with the fear that Paul would die. “Classically,” says Dragan, “my first words were, ‘Where am I and what happened?' I had no idea. I don't even recall being shot or anything else from that morning.”   We invited Paul Dragan to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his incredible journey to the darkness of death and back.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 511 - Drug Free Kids Guest: Chantal Vallerand   By Stuart McNish   On Dec 8th, 2022, Jennifer Whiteside was appointed Minister for Mental Health and Addictions. At the time she said, “The Premier has asked me to prioritize accelerating BC's response to the illicit drug toxicity crisis. The Premier has also asked me to expand new complex care, treatment, recovery, detox and after-care facilities across the province.”   Months later, the BC Centre for Disease Control released its report showing that in 2022, overdoses from opioids and illicit drugs were now the leading cause of death for youth 10 to 18 years old.  The Minister issued a statement saying, “The toxic drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities in B.C., and the impact on children, youth is heartbreaking,”   These are hollow words to Garth Mullins, an organizer with the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, who said, “It seems to me that the Minister's job is to be the official mourner – someone who is there to cry publicly about the mass deaths but isn't empowered.”   So where does a family turn when they need help? Chantal Vallerand, the Executive Director at Drug Free Kids Canada, says, “We know how difficult it is for families. Most don't know the boundaries of what they can and cannot say or do. We created Drug Free Kids to help parents facing the life and death reality of drugs where there is no margin for error.”   We invited Chantal Vallerand of Drug Free Kids to join us for a Conversation That Matters about resources and strategies that can and do help families address the growing drug crisis in Canada.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 510 - Post-Pandemic Leadership Guest: Ron Bremner   By Stuart McNish   COVID-19 disrupted supply lines and our lives. Now that the lockdowns are over, the lingering impact of the dramatic shifts in the workplace remain. During the pandemic, work from home became the rule. Many employees seized the opportunity and not only thrived, but they moved away – far away, so far that coming into the office became a remote possibility.   “The work from home practice was needed during the pandemic; now it poses a new challenge,” says executive coach Ron Bremner. “Going forward, remote work will fracture company culture. For leaders… the new norm will be to manage in a state of chaos where they will need to be remarkably innovative as they strive to create safe, productive and effective workplaces.”   “[The] key to navigating the changing dynamics of a disassociated workplace,” says Bremner, “will be to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset” – a mindset of constant adaptation and continual improvement.   We invited Ron Bremner to join us for a Conversation That Matters about post-pandemic leadership.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 509 - Meet the BC Conservative Leader Guest: John Rustad   By Stuart McNish   It's been two years since John Rustad parted ways with the BC United Party over differences about climate change science. Regarding the reason for his removal from the party, Kevin Falcon is quoted as saying, “Climate change is one of the most critical threats facing our future.” And he added that Rustad “does not speak on behalf of [the] caucus on this issue.”   Six months later, John Rustad took over the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. At the time, the party was without a sitting member of the legislature. Today, there are four. Rustad and the BC Conservative party's rankings are soaring in the polls.   Who is John Rustad and what is his vision for British Columbia, should he do the seemingly impossible and win the next election? We invited John Rustad to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his agenda for British Columbia.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 508 - Generously Giving Guest: Megan Owen-Evans   By Stuart McNish   In the book “Why Good Things Happen to Good People,” Stephen Post writes that “giving to others” has been shown to increase health benefits. A separate study by Michael Norton from Harvard Business School revealed that “people are happier when they spend money on others versus themselves.” Megan Owen-Evans went far beyond the giving of money – she donated a kidney and part of her liver to two different anonymous recipients.     “Donating a kidney or a part of your liver is an enormous undertaking,” says Owen-Evans. “Not only do you need to take time for the surgery and recovery, [but] you also undergo a plethora of tests that consume vast amounts of time” – time that takes the donor away from work and family. “The cost in lost salary is significant.”   Fully aware of the impact on donors, Owen-Evans set out to change the financial impact on these generous souls who give of themselves. As President of Neptune Terminals, Owen-Evans established a new policy: “paid time off for donors.” It's a concept that is gaining support from other major employers in British Columbia, such as Beedie Development and the David Foster Foundation.    We invited Megan Owen-Evans to join us for a Conversation That Matters about corporate giving that supports employees and offers the gift of life to people in desperate need.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 507 - A Bleak Market for EVs Guest: Adam Pankratz   By Stuart McNish   “Little did we know how fast the free market would slap the electric vehicle mandate back to reality, while Canadian taxpayers continue to subsidize green fantasies,” says Adam Pankratz, a lecturer at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. The “slap” is in reference to plummeting sales of electric vehicles in North America.   Pankratz says, “The signs emerged in September 2023 when Volkswagen announced it was ‘cutting EV output' due to low demand and in November, Ford announced it would ‘be scaling back' EV battery production due to lackluster demand.”    As the new year emerged, EV news stayed on the same trendline. Pankratz said, “General Motors, Mercedes Benz and even Tesla warned EV sales were projected to be significantly lower than predicted.” Add in Hertz's decision to sell off most of its EVs and the message is clear – the market is cool on electric cars. We invited Adam Pankratz to join us for a Conversation That Matters on the trajectory of electric vehicle sales and what that says about government directives versus market forces. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Security

Ep 506 - Will AI produce a state of Deep Utopia? Guest: Nick Bostrom   By Stuart McNish   In his new book “Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World,” philosopher Nick Bostrom ponders what life could be like in a “solved world” – a world where everything works and works better than if human hands got in the way. “What then?” asks Bostrom, is the reason to work? “Is it to earn extra income or because working is an intrinsically valued activity?”    Bostrom is the head of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford and a philosopher with a background in theoretical physics, computational neuroscience, logic, and artificial intelligence. He has been called the “Superintelligent Swede” because of the deep philosophical work he undertakes as he examines the trajectory of human life at the intersection of destruction and possibility.   Bostrum says, “If artificial intelligence can be achieved, it would be an event of unparalleled consequence – perhaps even a rupture to the fabric of history” – a rupture, Bostrom says, “will change the course of human history but is it the end of human history?”   We invited Nick Bostrom to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our flirtatious and tempestuous relationship with the evolution of intelligence.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Sustainability

Ep 505 - Has the Floatel Sunk? Guest: Christine Kennedy   By Stuart McNish   The District of Squamish denied Woodfibre LNG's application for a temporary use permit for its Bridgemans “floatel,” citing concerns over safety, environmental, and community impacts. Council also cited a lack of information from the company as its reasons for saying no to the refurbished cruise ship that is intended to act as a floating workforce accommodation.   “[It's] hard to comprehend,” said Christine Kennedy, the President of Woodfibre LNG. “The District has asked repeatedly since 2019 – to the company and to regulators – that the project workforce be housed outside of Squamish, which is exactly what the floatel delivers.”   Kennedy goes on to say, “A councillor suggested that there are better solutions than a floatel. Housing options were considered and discussed with the District over a five-year engagement process, during which the District repeatedly asked the company and regulators to house non-local workers outside the community due to low vacancy rates in Squamish. Woodfibre LNG responded with the floatel. If Council had better ideas, they had five years to bring those forward.”   On Tuesday May 21, Squamish Council decided to reconsider its decision and has postponed a final vote until June 4th.   We invited Christine Kennedy to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the process the company followed in the development of the floatel and what this potential rejection means to the project and to BC's investment reputation.    You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Security

Ep 504 - Vancouver: Beautiful, yes – but! Guest: Bridgitte Anderson   By Stuart McNish   No doubt about it: Vancouver is beautiful. It's beautiful to visit, it's a beautiful place to study, and it's a beautiful city to retire in. “But,” says Bridgitte Anderson, the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, “it's not so beautiful of a place to build a robust economy.” In fact, according to a new report commissioned by GVBOT, “the region's economic size and mix under-performs when it comes to creating high-paid jobs or high-performing companies.”    Compared to 20 other “high quality mid-sized city-regions, spanning 9 pillars across economy, liveability and infrastructure and sustainability, Vancouver is well below par.” Anderson says. “Vancouver ranked 14 among the 20 cities for prosperity factors.”   Looking ahead, Anderson says, “The region has to address its underlying weaknesses soon if we hope to stay competitive.” Central to our ability to compete is Vancouver's beautiful geography, an area that is confined by sea and mountains. Anderson says, “The upshot is that we have to innovate more deeply to stimulate housing, job and economic development.”   We invited Bridgitte Anderson, the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, to join us as a guest on Conversations That Matter about where our attention needs to turn to close our productivity and prosperity gap.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 503 - Canada's Sagging Productivity Guest: Jock Finlayson   By Stuart McNish   On March 26th, 2024, the Bank of Canada issued a report titled “Time to Break the Glass: Fixing Canada's Productivity Problem.” Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers said at a speech in Halifax, “Productivity is a way to inoculate the economy against inflation.”   The question ahead is, why has Canadian productivity sagged and how can it be turned around? Jock Finlayson, the Chief Economist at the Independent Contractors of BC, says, “Canada needs to reorient policy to focus squarely on improving productivity and real incomes per capita – both of which are stagnant and falling.”   We invited Jock Finlayson to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Canada's productivity crisis and why it matters.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 502 - Is Peace Possible in Gaza? Gidi Grinstein   By Stuart McNish   At the time of the recording of this interview, the war in Gaza raged on. Since Oct 7, when more than 1139 Israelis had been killed and another 240 taken hostage, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas. The atrocities of that day also severely challenged Israeli's sense of compassion for Palestinians.   In Palestine, the death toll is horrifying – more than 30,000 Palestinians are believed to have died and another 72,000 have been injured.   The war and humanitarian crisis that has resulted has brought calls from around the world for a ceasefire. The government of Benjamin Netanyahu shows little interest in heeding those calls. The level of hate and anger that existed before Oct 7 continues to rise, which leads to the longer term question: can peace ever be achieved?   Gidi Grinstein, the founder of Reut Institute in Tel Aviv, says, “Maybe but the conditions have to be ripe.” He continues, “It won't be easy; millions of Israelis and Palestinians do not want to live in the same country, much less a shared society.”    We invited Gidi Grinstein, the co-author of (IN) SIGHTS, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about possible paths forward for Israel and Palestine.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 498 - How Canada Saved Me Guest - Sasha Luchkov   By Stuart McNish   On February 24th, 2022, in the dark of the night in Mukachevo, Ukraine, Sasha Luchkov woke to the news that his country was under attack. Sasha, a piano protege at the age of 17, was already an accomplished pianist. He had recently placed second in the Scherzo International piano competition, where he performed Beethoven's Sonata #17.   Luchkov also performed at the Horowitz International piano competition and the Perugia MusicFest. When the war intensified, Luchkov says, “I was in fear of my life and I fled from Ukraine – first to Italy and with the help of Thrive Refuge, I made my way to Canada, which accepted me as a refugee.”   Luchkov says, “Canada and Canadians have been remarkably kind and helpful to me.” Through Thrive Refuge, Sasha was able to complete his high school education and is now attending UBC's School of Music, studying under the direction of Dr. David Fung. On April the 12th, Sasha is performing at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in the Concert for Peace to help raise funds to support Thrive Refuge's Fine Arts Bursary.   Sasha Luchov joins us for a Conversation That Matters about his journey to finding a second chance in Canada.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us April 23 rd  for Conversations Live - One on One with Premier Edy

Ep 497 - Climate Action: The Net Zero Economy Guest - John Stackhouse   By Stuart McNish   “Population and economic growth spell a demand for much more energy,” states the opening paragraph of RBC's Climate Action Institute report. The Institute is honest in its assessment of the path forward to a Net Zero economy. The bank's John Stackhouse says, “Climate pressures spell an imperative for a different mix of energy sources.” Looking forward, the global population is forecast to exceed 9 billion by approximately 2040. “Can the world population power itself into a new age of sustainable growth?” askes the report. It goes on to ask, “Can Canada, a global leader in energy, create new technologies, realize new opportunities and create value in a Net Zero economy?” We invited RBC's Head of Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the highlights of the research the report lays out, its six major conclusions, and the path forward.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us April 2  for Conversations Live - Energy and the Environment

Ep 496 - Ballooning Public Service Guest - Renaud Brossard   By Stuart McNish   According to the Montreal Economic Institute, Justin Trudeau ranks first among Canadian Prime Ministers over the past 40 years when it comes to the expansion in the size of the civil service. In a recent study, MEI notes that “over the past few decades, the number of employees in the federal public service has fluctuated somewhat under the mandate of successive governments under Justin Trudeau's current government. However, we are witnessing a truly unprocessed identity expansion.”    Renaud Brossard speaks on behalf of MEI and he says, “An expanding public service has consequences that adversely affect the economy, including undue competition with the private sector for employees. And that, in turn, exacerbates the already challenging talent market.” The report goes on to show the increase on a percentage basis from Prime Ministers Mulroney  to Trudeau; Mulroney and Chrétien both oversaw about 10% reduction. Martin and Harper also decreased the number of civil servants, but to a lesser extent. Prime Minister Trudeau's increase is a whopping 25%.    We invited Renaud Brossard of MEI to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the report and why a rapidly expanding civil service is a cause for concern.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us April 2  for Conversations Live - Energy and the Environment

Ep 495 - Child Sex Trafficking Guest - Cathy Peters   By Stuart McNish   National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada is February 22nd. It was instituted as part of the government's commitment to fighting human trafficking. The point was to “raise awareness of the magnitude of modern day slavery in Canada and abroad and to take steps to combat human trafficking.”   In her book, “Child Sex Trafficking in Canada,” Cathy Peters says, “This book should never have been written. But here we are. Society and culture have come to a point where the most vulnerable are not being protected.” Peters goes on to say, “As a society we have a moral obligation to address sexual exploitation immediately, resolutely and robustly.”   Today's children are targeted in ways that you have little awareness of and from around the world. These children are marginalized, vulnerable, and at risk. Peters says, “They are unaware of the insidious, coercive, and manipulative tactics of the sex industry.”   We  invited one of Canada's leading advocates on behalf of vulnerable children, Cathy Peters, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about what we all need to know about child sex trafficking and how to stop it.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 494 - Canada and China: What Happened? Guest - Dr Paul Evans   By Stuart McNish   In 1970, Canada led the Western world by recognizing China. According to Paul Evans in his book, “Engaging China,” the Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau “believed that many of the world's major issues ‘will not be resolved completely or in any lasting way unless and until an accommodation has been reached with the Chinese nation.'”   Over the course of the next 50 years, the Chinese economy and its clout grew from 1.7 percent of global GDP to more than 17.3%. China went from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of the most powerful economies. Through that growth, China invested heavily in Canadian energy and technology companies.   Then at the start of this century, the relationship between Canada and China started shifting. China started to flex its muscles and Canada failed to realize it was no longer the dominant member of this relationship. China grew tired of being told what and how to manage its affairs.   Enter Xi Jinping, who had no patience for moralizing and virtue signalling. Canada woke up to China's influence and the influencing tactics at home and abroad. Over the past five years, the relationship has soured.   We invited Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia, to join us for a Conversation That Matters on what happened between Canada and China and what is happening between us and India. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 493 - A Call to Purpose Guest - Mike Rowlands   “Redefining success for the purpose economy,” Mike Rowlands says, “is to become a part of the rapidly growing movement toward social purpose in business. The social purpose focus creates healthier communities, restoration of our shared environment and better outcomes for companies' staff, customers and other stakeholders.”   Rowlands says the path to developing this framework  “emerged from our work with the nonprofit sector – a sector that required new brand strategies that enriched and enhanced their organizations' messaging.” The next step on the path to a social purpose framework was the development of “Theory of Change,” which is a methodology to set out intended social change outcomes.”   We invited Mike Rowlands, the CEO and President at Junxion, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about social purpose and how it focuses businesses to accept responsibility for outputs, outcomes and building a better world by being in business.   By Stuart McNish   Researchers at Simon Fraser University and BC Cancer have pinpointed specific physiological traits that they say “can    You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 492 - The Fountain of Youth Guest - Angela Brooks-Wilson   By Stuart McNish   Researchers at Simon Fraser University and BC Cancer have pinpointed specific physiological traits that they say “can help people live longer, healthier lives.” According to a recent study published in GeroScience, the healthiest, older adults live in a “sweet spot,” where more than 100 different physiological traits interact, and that dynamic interaction makes them healthier than their counterparts.   Key to living in the “sweet spot” is homeostasis, which is a collection of mechanisms that your body uses to maintain constancy in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body temperature. The more consistent your body is, the healthier you are. Deviations from optimal ranges of vitamin D, calcium, glucose and other mechanisms lead to a higher risk of mortality.   We invited Angela Brooks-Wilson, a co-author of the report, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about what we now know about the “sweet spot” of health and how this knowledge may equip you to live longer and healthier.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 491 - The Claims of Life Guest - Diana Chapman Walsh   By Stuart McNish   The Claims of Life, a new book by Diana Chapman Walsh, traces the emergence of a young woman who set out believing she wasn't particularly smart but went on to meet multiple tests of leadership in the American academy – a place where everyone wants to be heard and no one wants a boss.   The Claims of Life offers readers an unusually intimate view of a trustworthy leadership that begins and ends in self-knowledge. During a transformative fourteen-year Wellesley College presidency, Walsh advanced women's authority, compassionate governance, and self-reinvention.    After Wellesley, Walsh's interests took her to the boards of five national nonprofits, galvanizing change. She kept counsel with Nobel laureates, feminist icons, and the Dalai Lama, seeking solutions to the world's biggest challenge: preserving our planet.   We invited Diana Chapman Walsh to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a life of openness and endless possibilities.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit Guest - Mark Liedemann   By Stuart McNish   The backbone of any complex society is its infrastructure. It is the glue that binds communities, provinces and countries together. The concept of infrastructure was central to Rome's dominance for 500 years. Cody Gregory writes, “One of the key  aspects of Roman society and development was its unprecedented utilization of roads, sewers and aqueducts.”   Here in British Columbia, it was the railway that brought us into Confederation and it was the development of hydroelectric power that catapulted the province forward economically. Mark Liedemann, the President and CEO of Infrastructure BC says, “We're building on those legacy projects to ensure the province has the essential structures needed to thrive.”   In her letter to the Board of Infrastructure BC, Finance Minister Katrine Conroy says, “Government and public sector organizations must continue to advance results that people can see and feel in these key areas – strengthened health care, safer communities, attainable and secure housing, and a clean and fair economy that delivers affordability and prosperity.”   We invited Mark Liedemann to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the never ending work of planning and building the infrastructure the province requires.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 489 - The Path to Urban Net Zero Guest - Jeanette Jackson   In June of 2021, Canada – along with the other G7 countries – committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is an audacious goal, one that affords Canada with an opportunity to play a leadership role and become the first of the G7 to reach net-zero emissions.   It's a long way from where we are at the moment. Currently, says Jeanette Jackson of Foresight, “we're in last place, which accelerates our need to step up the pace and position Canada as a force of nature on the path to net zero.” Over the past decade, Foresight has worked relentlessly toward making net-zero a reality.   Foresight has a 10-point approach to accelerate research and development in clean tech, build regional clusters and host events. Jackson says, “We're creating the ecosystem that fosters investment in world leading companies that are serving a social purpose, that being achieving net zero by virtue of the products and services they produce and provide.”    On February 6, Foresight is hosting “CityAge Vancouver: The Urban Zero Challenge.” We invited Jeanette Jackson to join us for Conversation That Matters about the opportunities and challenges ahead for us on our path to greenhouse gas reduction.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 488 - A Ministry of Entrepreneurialism Guest: Naseem Javed   “The world, and in particular Canada, needs to embrace entrepreneurialism as a new frontier to resuscitate our gasping economy,” says Naseen Javed, the CEO and founder of Expothon. “We need a new Ministry of Entrepreneurialism that can ignite an economic revolution.”   Javed says, “This new Ministry will only work if it is managed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Bureaucrats, academics, and economists live in a world where their theories don't survive contact with the real world. When you put them in charge of entrepreneurship, they pour sand in the gears of innovation, business agility, and the magic small and medium business create in solving the world's challenges.”   The potential is enormous. Canada has an opportunity to embrace this concept, says Javed. “We are a knowledge-based country. If we seize the moment and create a legislative and tax environment that fosters rather than hinders entrepreneurs, we can turn around Canada's sagging per capita GDP and boost the economy.”   We invited Naseem Javed to join us for a Conversation That Matters about unleashing the power of entrepreneurship in an effort to turn around Canada's sinking economy.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Feb 6  for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports

Ep 487 - The Greatest Gift of All Guest: Paul Sitnam   By Stuart McNish   “Impact investing is an investment strategy that aims to generate specific beneficial social or environmental effects in addition to financial gains,” according to Investopedia. It is upheld as a societal good, but it does not include devoting your life to helping others.  “The greatest gift of giving possible is your life's work,” says Paul Sitnam. He is a living example having done just that for the past 40 years. Sitnam dedicated his life to international humanitarian work in Africa, the South Pacific and the Middle East. His service to others, he says, has “allowed me to work with people in need of a hand up, rather than a handout. I worked with people to help them recover from disasters that shook their confidence.” Sitnam says, “I quickly dispelled myself of the notion that I was going to save the world.  I just tried to do the best I could with the situation I found myself in and the resources available.” He goes on to speak to the power of empathy over sympathy. “Humanitarian work,” he says, “must facilitate victims of a disaster in a manner that allows them to regain their dignity. They need to be treated as much as possible as partners rather than as vulnerable people or  beneficiaries. No one likes to be thought of – and treated – as a beggar.” We invited Paul Sitnam to join us for a Conversation That Matters about making a difference by being where assistance is needed. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Feb 6  for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports

Ep 486 - Can First Nations Save Canada's Economy? Guest: Chris Sankey   By Stuart McNish   “Canada's per capita growth has been negative three out of the last four quarters,” says Perrin Beatty, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He adds, “Canada needs to do more to attract investment” – a sentiment that was recently shared by a panel of experts for “Conversations Live” about economic reconciliation. Haisla Chief Counselor Crystal Smith said, “First Nations hold the key to the country's economic future.”   It is a belief held by Indigenous businessman Chris Sankey, who says that “we can't afford to obstruct BC's energy sector any longer.” In an op-ed for the Vancouver Sun, Sankey said, “The chilling effect on the investment landscape of our region and of Canada in general has been terrible.”   Moving forward, Sankey is looking to LNG to generate jobs and economic growth. He says, “More than a billion dollars in indigenous procurement spending and benefits have already been negotiated with Coastal GasLink, Kitimat LNG and Woodfibre LNG. And should the Haisla make a final investment decision on Cedar LNG, the opportunities will continue to grow for everyone – not just First Nations. Everyone.”   We invited Chris Sankey to join us for a Conversation That Matters about economic reconciliation and how it can reverse Canada's sinking attractiveness to investors. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Feb 6  for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports

Ep 485 - The interconnectedness of all things Guest: Wade Davis By Stuart McNish   The Roman emperor Markus Aurelius posited in his book “Meditations” that “all things are implicated with one another and the bond is holy.” At the time of his writing, it was a philosophical concept. Today it has been proven by science – genomics in particular.   Wade Davis, the great Canadian thinker and anthropologist, in his talk at the Dr. Rix Distinguished Keynote address “The Wayfinders of Genomic Wisdom,” said that “studies of the human genome have left no doubt about the interconnectedness of all things.”   Davis went on to say, “Genomic science unveils the profound truth that we are all connected by the same genetic cloth.” He argues that “indigenous perspectives combined with genome insights can revolutionize conservation, restore ecological balance, mend cultural divisions and provide the antidote to heal an ailing world.”   We invited Wade Davis to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the interconnectedness of life.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Jan 23 for Conversations Live - Infrastructure Deficit

Ep 484 - How to Stop Stereotyping Seniors  Guest:  Rudy Buttignol By Stuart McNish   More than 7 million people in Canada are older than 64 – that's just shy of 20 percent of us. I'm one of those people.  The issues that all seniors face include, but are not limited to, financial security, health care, and an end to ageism. Rudy Buttignol, the President of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), represents associations across the country advocating with all levels of government on behalf of 330,000 members. According to Buttignol, “The greatest obstacle to achieving better societal outcomes for senior citizens is ageism.” There is a generally held belief that as you age, your body and mind will fall apart and you'll be grumpy and lonely and you're going to be ill. Buttignol says, “That's simply not true. They are, however, the basis of bias directed at seniors.” Those attitudes towards seniors impact so many other aspects of their lives. Buttignol says, “It's why families worry that seniors can't remain in their homes. It affects the way health care providers treat senior patients. It's discrimination.”   Since 1983, CARP has been working to combat stereotypes about seniors. The organization also advocates for tax policy changes that will support homecare, reframing the concept of retirement residences from “institutions” to “homes.” We invited Rudy Buttignol to join us for a Conversation That Matters about aging well and why we need to respect our elders.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Jan 23 for Conversations Live - Infrastructure Deficit

Ep 483 - Youthful Cities: Attracting and retaining a young population Guest:  Robert Barnard By Stuart McNish   How a city attracts young adults to live and work matters. Robert Barnard, the founder of Youthful Cities, says, “Young adults are vital today and into the future. Attracting young people is important. Equally [as] important is retention – that is, keeping their residents in the city.” On that account, Vancouver is good at attracting but not so good at retaining.   This is a problem, says Barnard. “The vitality of a city is embodied in the young people it attracts to live and work. The key to attracting young people is ensuring cities meet their needs and today, those needs include housing costs, transportation and a commitment to values such as the environment. Essential to keeping those same people are liveable salaries and affordable housing.”   According to Barnard, “COVID-19 dramatically impacted young adults' ability to secure jobs and job skills.” That, in turn, will compound the already decreasing ratio of working-age young people to seniors. Barnard goes on to say, “The impact of the pandemic also means young people have higher levels of debt and housing insecurity.” Youthful Cities has developed a research program called DEVlab, which examines the workforce and skill development gaps of 15- to 29-year-olds impacted by COVID and how to meet those needs.   We invited Robert Barnard of Youthful Cities to join us for a Conversation That Matters about how we engage young people in the building of better cities.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Jan 23 for Conversations Live - Infrastructure Deficit

Ep 482 - Save Our Streets Guest:  Jess Ketchum By Stuart McNish   At a press conference at the Woodwards development, the new Save Our Streets (SOS) public safety coalition said, “The growing crime, violence, vandalism and theft crisis is impacting local communities and businesses.” The costs associated with addressing security and safety, according to SOS spokesperson Jess Ketchum, are “jeopardizing the financial viability of many businesses and threatening their survival.”   The compounding effects of the rising lawlessness, according to Ketchum, include but are not limited to “concerns for the safety of shoppers, concerns for the wellbeing of staff, and challenges to attract staff.” As a result, business leaders and concerned citizens formed the coalition to call for a “province-wide, non-partisan movement to raise awareness of the issues and the costs that are passed onto families.”    The coalition has developed a 10-point plan, demanding actions from the government to fulfill its responsibility to address a suite of issues related to the current levels of crime, violence, and fear.   I invited Jess Ketchum of SOS to join me for a Conversation That Matters about ways to combat crime and lawlessness.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join us Jan 23 for Conversations Live - Infrastructure Deficit

Ep 481 - CleanBC's $28.1-Billion Price Tag Guest:  Ken Peacock By Stuart McNish   The government of British Columbia is aiming to lower CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. It's a bold ambition – one that will reduce the BC economy by $28.1 billion, according to a model created by the CleanBC Roadmap. Ken Peacock, the Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC)'s Chief Economist, examined the model and discovered the stunning numbers.   Peacock says, “A $28.1-billion setback is significant.” After adding in emissions caps and a scheduled doubling of the carbon tax over the next seven years, Peacock points out, it “will dampen investment and cap exports.”    Peacock says, “We're concerned about serious job losses and serious impact to income over the next six years.” Canada is already the poorest performing country in the OECD in per-capita GDP growth. According to BCBC's analysis, provincial average annual economic growth will slow to 0.4 per cent in the second half of this decade. I invited Ken Peacock to join me for a Conversation That Matters about setting realistic goals and timelines. You can see the interview on https://vancouversun.com/tag/conversations-that-matter/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 480 - The Impact of Energy Poverty Guest:  Jock Finlayson By Stuart McNish   Energy poverty, according to the Canadian Urban Sustainability Practitioners, refers to “the experience of households or communities that struggle to heat their homes and power their lights and appliances” – a reality that is playing itself out in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and it has forced the hand of the Prime Minister to offer financial relief.   In his blog, “The Honest Broker,” Roger Pielke Jr. wrote of the “Iron Law of Climate Policy,” a law that demonstrates that when push comes to shove, governments will wilt under pressure from voter's wallets. “It is,” Pielke says, “a boundary condition.”   The theory of “using higher-priced energy as a tool to accelerate decarbonization makes perfect sense – in bloodless computer models.” Noted economist Jock Finlayson agrees and adds, “In the real world, it is a theory that does not survive contact with the harsh financial realities it imposes on most people.”    We invited Jock Finlayson to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the cost of implementing policies that fail to meet their objectives and the hardship they incur. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 479- Social Purpose: The New Business Mantra Guest:  Drew Collier By Stuart McNish   Social purpose is emerging as an important and necessary part of business. “What is social purpose?” you ask. Drew Collier, the President and CEO of LGM Financial Services says, “Social purpose is the reason to be in business. It is not just a nice-to-have policy. It is the company's reason for being – its social ambition – and it is the path to profitability.” It is, in the words of Simon Sinek, “the ‘why we do what we do,' versus the ‘what we do.'”   In 2022, Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock (the largest investment firm in the world), in his letter to CEOs, said, “Your company's purpose is its north star. Putting your company's purpose at the foundation of your relationships with stakeholders is critical to long-term success. Employees need to understand and connect with your purpose and when they do, they can be your staunchest advocates.”   The focus on purpose is a move beyond corporate social responsibility, which is a focus on doing good things because they were good. “Social purpose,” Collier says, “is a guidepost that informs products, services, a company's goals and strategies.”   We invited Drew Collier to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a new way of doing business and doing it with an objective of contributing to a better world.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 478- What is Keto Diet? Guest:  Dr. David Harper By Stuart McNish   “For 30 years, I taught the wrong stuff to generations of students. I taught them that a low-fat high-carb diet was the way to eat to prevent chronic disease and I got it wrong,” says Dr. David Harper, the co-author of the “BioDiet: The Scientifically Proven, Ketogenic Way to Lose Weight and Improve Health.” Harper goes on to say, “We now have 20 years of scientific evidence that a well-formulated ketogenic diet reduces chronic disease.”   Harper is focused on cancer and he stresses that “a ketogenic diet is not a cure for cancer; rather, it is an effective adjunct therapy along with a standard of care.” Until recently, Harper was a visiting scientist at the BC Cancer Research Centre's Terry Fox Laboratory. His research indicates that a ketogenic diet has multiple health benefits in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and weight reduction.   “The Axis of Illness,” according to Harper are “insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation – all of which are fueled by carbohydrates leading to chronic disease.” A keto diet, coupled with exercise, is an effective way to diminish weight, inflammation and reduce insulin resistance.   We invited Dr David Harper to join us for a Conversation That Matters about food as medicine.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 477 - Canada: The World is a Hard Place Guest:  John Rapley By Stuart McNish   In the diplomatic spat between India and Canada, a rising India shows Canada that money is power, says John Rapley, a political economist at the University of Cambridge. He goes on to say that Canada is finding the world a hard place, and points out that it comes as a shock to Canada, namely because of its sense of itself.   Canada has historically been dominant – one of the world's biggest economies, a founding member of the world's most powerful military alliance, and a rich country whose aid programs gave it considerable leverage over developing countries. But as Ottawa squares off with New Delhi over the recent alleged assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, Rapley says, “It is being left largely to fight its own battle.”   In other words, Canada has stranded itself diplomatically at a time when the U.S. and U.K. have been building the so-called “quad” with Australia, India and Japan, as a safeguard to rising tensions with China. It gets worse, Rapley says. “Not only does Canada now occupy a less significant geopolitical space, but the country is a notorious shirk, or as an ally, with a recently leaked Pentagon paper revealing that Canada's NATO partners no longer consider us as a serious member of the alliance.”   We invited John Rapley to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Canada's shrinking reputation internationally.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 476 - Eat More - That's the Message Guest:  Dr Marion Nestle By Stuart McNish   “We live in a food environment that encourages people to eat as much as possible,” says Dr. Marion Nestle. “Fighting those overwhelming messages and mustering up resistance is next to impossible!” The history of the “consume more” movement, says Nestle, “came about as a remedy to diseases of deficiency.” The message was so successful that Healthline now estimates that “42 percent of Americans are obese and two-thirds are overweight.”   In her book, “Food Politics,” Dr. Nestle demonstrates the impact of the 900-billion-dollar-plus food industry and its ability to influence our health. Dr. Nestle says, “Our over-efficient food industry must do everything possible to persuade people to eat more – more food, more often, and in larger portions – no matter what it does to waistlines or wellbeing.”   We invited Dr. Marion Nestle, whom Forbes magazine listed as the number-two most powerful foodie in the world, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about food. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 475 -  Rent Control: A Blunt Tool Guest: David Hutniak By Stuart McNish   Housing affordability is a North American-wide issue. In the U.S., only seven states and Washington, D.C. have imposed rent controls as a measure to address housing affordability. Only seven states – largely because it is believed they don't work. In a poll conducted by the American Economic Association, 93% of its members agreed that a ceiling on rent controls reduces the quality and quantity of housing.   David Hutniak, the CEO of Landlord B.C., in a recent letter to Premier Eby, said, “Rent control is a flagship political tool and a promise that is far more complex than it first appears. It is not the comprehensive form of tenant protection it is billed to be. It is commonly accepted that rent controls benefit current tenants. It does so at the expense of future ones.”   Hutniak further pointed out that rent control is a blunt tool that continually delivers negative blows to the British Columbian rental housing market. Tenants and landlords both want a balanced rental market. Hutniak adds, “When the provincial government continues to penalize landlords for a problem created by all three levels of government, landlords and developers are less inclined to grow their businesses [and] less likely to build new rental housing.” The result is a reduction in the supply of housing.   We invited David Hutniak of Landlord B.C. to join us for a Conversation That Matters about effective ways to create affordable rental housing.  You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 474 -  How Markets Shape Cities Guest: Alain Bertaud By Stuart McNish   What is a city and why does it exist? That may seem like a simple question but according to Alain Bertaud, the author of “Order Without Design: How Markets Shape Cities,” the answer is “not merely to house people but rather accommodate labour markets.” He goes on to acknowledge, “People are the most important part. They are the main attraction.”   The challenge for city planners, argues Bertaud, is that “they run into the interdependence between state and markets and the tension that results when allocating resources.” When facilitating the needs of markets, Bertaud contends that “planners are focused on building codes and architecture and not the needs of markets.” He says that planners need to work with urban economists.   We invited Alain Bertaud, the author of “Order Without Design: How Markets Shape Cities,” to join us for a Conversation That Matters about how markets shape our cities.    Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 473 - The Looming Great Relocation Guest: Laura Alfaro By Stuart McNish   “Nearshoring, friendshoring and onshoring” are terms that are becoming common in reference to moves within the United States to address a number of issues associated with global value chains. According to co-author Laura Alfaro of a paper that was prepared for the Jackson Hole Symposium in 2023, there is a, “Looming Great Relocation” on the horizon.   Alfaro says, “The evidence is clear – the US reliance on China peaked in 2017. The introduction of tariffs by President Trump, the continued application of those tariffs by President Biden, and the ongoing power play between the two countries has brought about changes to distribution channels.”    According to Alfaro, “Vietnam and Mexico have and [will] continue to rise in prominence as preferred trading partners. And while Canada has slipped over the past 30 years, it still remains a strong trading partner.”   We invited Laura Alfaro of the Harvard Business School to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the shifting trade patterns and relationships that are underway. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 472 - The Importance of Workplace Accessibility Guest: Joel Dembe By Stuart McNish   “Accessibility” is a word that you hear more of, and for good reason. Canadian Paralympian Joel Dembe says, “Being accessible is essential when creating a strong and inclusive workplace and society. And it's good business. It's good business in so many ways – namely it's good for the bottom line.”     According to Jason Keck, the CEO and Co-Founder of Broker Buddha, “Diverse and inclusive companies are 35% more likely to surpass their competitors.” Joel Dembe adds, “Companies with diverse workplaces are six times more likely to be innovative and anticipate choppy headwaters and then adapt to meet new opportunities.”   According to the Web Accessibility Platform, AudioEye, “more than 1.3 billion people, that's one in six people who live with some type of a disability.” Joel Dembe points out, “ I often tell business leaders we have to see disability as an economic opportunity.”   We invited tennis and accessibility champion and RBC Senior Manager of Communications Joel Dembe to join us for a Conversation That Matters about removing barriers.  

Ep 471 - The Great Remobilization Guest: Olaf Groth By Stuart McNish   “In August 2022, when central bankers from around the world gathered for their annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a consensus emerged that the current methods for managing business cycles are woefully insufficient for managing today's current economic and societal crises.” says Olaf Groth, one of the authors of a new book, “The Great Remobilization.”    “We have the energy crisis. We have the food crisis,” continues Groth. “We have the supply chain crisis and we have the war in Ukraine, all of which have profound implications for the economic performance of the world.”    The book goes on to say the limited abilities of bankers and governments to address large-scale issues demand a new way of addressing challenges. Groth says, “The stakes have never been higher. Incremental changes won't work. We need step-change redesigns of our global frameworks.”   We invited Olaf Groth, one of the co-authors of “The Great Remobilization,” to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a framework that will assist leaders to address the tectonic shifts that are underway. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 470 - The Reasonableness of Being Unreasonable Guest: Bob Stamnes By Stuart McNish   “The logic of being unreasonable sounds like an oxymoron,” says Bob Stamnes, one of Canada's most creative ad Execs. “Unless, of course, you know exactly why you are being unreasonable.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, logic is “reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.”    Stamnes says, “Unreasonable logic is when you stick to the facts and make sensible conclusions where others leap to emotionally safe decisions. Reasonable people will always come up with reasons why new or different approaches can't be done because, after all, no one else has done it that way. Those people are doomed to live in the age of average.”   Stamnes says, “To lift yourself out of average and become unreasonable, you need to commit to being creative, funny, seductive, outrageous or outraged.” Stamnes says to reshape your thinking by “changing what's cool, what's normal, and change what people aspire to do.”    We invited Bob Stamnes to join us for a Conversation That Matters about navigating your way through the maze of life in unconventional ways. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 469 - Boosting scientific innovations in British Columbia Guest: Brenda Bailey By Stuart McNish   In April of 2023, the government of British Columbia announced a new life sciences and biomedical strategy. The objective is to position BC as a global hub in these sectors. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey says, “We're boosting our world-class talent, innovators, entrepreneurs and anchor companies to create high-quality jobs.”   The Minister's claim about world-class talent is backed up by the fact that almost every COVID-19 vaccine candidate that reached late-stage development was either initiated, developed or manufactured by a BC company or scientist. Minister Bailey says, “We are focused on building on these made-in-BC accomplishments.”   We invited Minister Bailey to join us for a Conversation That Matters about BC's strategy to build a vibrant life sciences, biomedical and high-tech base that will help to reshape our future. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Oct 3 for Conversations Live - A Vancouver Sun Town Hall: AI - Friend or Foe https://www.conversationslive.ca/

Ep 468 - The electric helicopter revolution Guest: Danny Sitnam By Stuart McNish   Can we achieve liftoff of electric helicopter passenger service? Danny Sitnam, the President and Founder of Helijet says, "Yes we can! But…"   The “but…” Sitnam refers to is, in fact, many “yes, but”s. Yes, helicopters can be powered by electricity – but the power plant for helicopters still needs to be built. Yes, batteries can carry enough of a charge to fly from Vancouver to Victoria – but the weight will eliminate a number of seats. Yes “we can” – but regulations need to change.   Sitnam says, "These are challenges that we can address and overcome. No – WILL overcome." It may still be years before you'll be able to hop onto an electric helicopter for a quieter and a low carbon intense flight to Victoria, but those flights will be arriving.     We invited Danny Sitnam of Helijet to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the process of flying in electric vertical-takeoff and -landing aircraft.   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Oct 3 for Conversations Live - A Vancouver Sun Town Hall: AI - Friend or Foe https://www.conversationslive.ca/

Ep 473 - The Looming Great Relocation Guest: Laura Alfaro By Stuart McNish   “Nearshoring, friendshoring and onshoring” are terms that are becoming common in reference to moves within the United States to address a number of issues associated with global value chains. According to co-author Laura Alfaro of a paper that was prepared for the Jackson Hole Symposium in 2023, there is a, “Looming Great Relocation” on the horizon.   Alfaro says, “The evidence is clear – the US reliance on China peaked in 2017. The introduction of tariffs by President Trump, the continued application of those tariffs by President Biden, and the ongoing power play between the two countries has brought about changes to distribution channels.”    According to Alfaro, “Vietnam and Mexico have and [will] continue to rise in prominence as preferred trading partners. And while Canada has slipped over the past 30 years, it still remains a strong trading partner.”   We invited Laura Alfaro of the Harvard Business School to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the shifting trade patterns and relationships that are underway. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Nov 21 for Conversations Live - Economic Reconciliation   https://www.conversationslive.ca/

Ep 472 - The Importance of Workplace Accessibility Guest: Joel Dembe By Stuart McNish   “Accessibility” is a word that you hear more of, and for good reason. Canadian Paralympian Joel Dembe says, “Being accessible is essential when creating a strong and inclusive workplace and society. And it's good business. It's good business in so many ways – namely it's good for the bottom line.”     According to Jason Keck, the CEO and Co-Founder of Broker Buddha, “Diverse and inclusive companies are 35% more likely to surpass their competitors.” Joel Dembe adds, “Companies with diverse workplaces are six times more likely to be innovative and anticipate choppy headwaters and then adapt to meet new opportunities.”   According to the Web Accessibility Platform, AudioEye, “more than 1.3 billion people, that's one in six people who live with some type of a disability.” Joel Dembe points out, “ I often tell business leaders we have to see disability as an economic opportunity.”   We invited tennis and accessibility champion and RBC Senior Manager of Communications Joel Dembe to join us for a Conversation That Matters about removing barriers. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Oct 10 for Conversations Live - A Vancouver Sun Town Hall: Workplace Accessibility https://www.conversationslive.ca/

Ep 471 - The Great Remobilization Guest: Olaf Groth By Stuart McNish   “In August 2022, when central bankers from around the world gathered for their annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a consensus emerged that the current methods for managing business cycles are woefully insufficient for managing today's current economic and societal crises.” says Olaf Groth, one of the authors of a new book, “The Great Remobilization.”    “We have the energy crisis. We have the food crisis,” continues Groth. “We have the supply chain crisis and we have the war in Ukraine, all of which have profound implications for the economic performance of the world.”    The book goes on to say the limited abilities of bankers and governments to address large-scale issues demand a new way of addressing challenges. Groth says, “The stakes have never been higher. Incremental changes won't work. We need step-change redesigns of our global frameworks.”   We invited Olaf Groth, one of the co-authors of “The Great Remobilization,” to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a framework that will assist leaders to address the tectonic shifts that are underway. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Oct 3 for Conversations Live - A Vancouver Sun Town Hall: AI - Friend or Foe https://www.conversationslive.ca/

Ep 470 - The Reasonableness of Being Unreasonable Guest: Bob Stamnes By Stuart McNish   “The logic of being unreasonable sounds like an oxymoron,” says Bob Stamnes, one of Canada's most creative ad Execs. “Unless, of course, you know exactly why you are being unreasonable.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, logic is “reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.”    Stamnes says, “Unreasonable logic is when you stick to the facts and make sensible conclusions where others leap to emotionally safe decisions. Reasonable people will always come up with reasons why new or different approaches can't be done because, after all, no one else has done it that way. Those people are doomed to live in the age of average.”   Stamnes says, “To lift yourself out of average and become unreasonable, you need to commit to being creative, funny, seductive, outrageous or outraged.” Stamnes says to reshape your thinking by “changing what's cool, what's normal, and change what people aspire to do.”    We invited Bob Stamnes to join us for a Conversation That Matters about navigating your way through the maze of life in unconventional ways. Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca   Join me Oct 3 for Conversations Live - A Vancouver Sun Town Hall: AI - Friend or Foe https://www.conversationslive.ca/