The Ampersand - Unplugged

Send us a textAs we bring Season 4 of The Ampersand - Unplugged to a close, it's time to step back and reflect on the journey we've been on with Candidate Confessionals. In this final episode, we take an honest look at the highs and the lows, admitting a few things. From our favorite episodes to the lessons learned along the way, we discuss what worked, what didn't, and what's in store for Season 5. Tune in as we pull back the curtain and give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how we're planning to make next season our best one yet!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a textIn this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Max Dawson, an expert in executive recruitment and a fellow Partner at the Humanis Edmonton office, Max has over a decade of experience navigating North America's corporate and sporting landscape. A former three-sport varsity athlete, Max's journey took him from the field to the boardroom, earning an MBA in Sports Management from Griffith University, and eventually working in Corporate Partnerships with the Edmonton Oilers.In this candid conversation, Max reflects on his career transitions, the lessons learned from sports, and the values he instills in his daughters, Stella and Ada. We also explore his work on the board of Luge Canada and how he continues to bring his passion for sport into both his personal and professional life.Join us as we explore Max's fascinating career journey, the theme of this season, and how he continues to bridge the gap between the sporting and corporate worlds.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a textIn this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Alisha Reynolds, the new President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. Joining the organization in June 2024, Alisha brings a wealth of experience from her time at Northland Properties Corporation, where she held senior leadership roles across the hotel and restaurant industries, including Sandman Hotel Group, Moxies, and Chop. With a career spanning hospitality, law, banking, and even golf and country clubs, Alisha's passion for hospitality shines through in every facet of her leadership.We dive into her career journey, what it means to manage large-scale operations, and how she balances it all with being a wife and mom of three. Tune in to hear Alisha's inspiring story, her vision for Calgary's tourism, and her love for the city's best coffee shops and weekend spots!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Lucia Juliao, the Partnerships Director at the Calgary International Film Festival. Lucia's path to the arts was anything but conventional. Growing up near Toronto, she pursued a career in Engineering, driven by her aptitude for math and science. After nearly a decade in the engineering field, Lucia decided to make a bold career shift. Now, with nearly six years at CIFF, she reflects on her journey from technical precision to creative passion and the fulfillment she's found in the non-profit arts sector. Join us as Lucia shares her story of reinvention and the power of pursuing what truly resonates.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.On this week's episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with Matt Mayer, Founder of the Arete Initiative and sessional instructor at the Haskayne School of Business. Pronounced ah-reh-tay, the term was used in Ancient Greece and can be considered as the confluence of moral virtue and excellence. Arete is the “act of living up to one's highest potential.”As a leading expert in the area of 21st century organizational systems, structures and strategies, Matt walks us through a sort of level-setting exercise around the very broad topic of ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance - in every facet of our lives. We establish some agreed upon definitions, review some real-life case studies and generally allow Kiara — the Hermione Granger of our Podcast — to show she paid attention in Matt's class as she peppers him with questions about Backcasting, Impact Business Models, and B Corp Certified organizations. We learned a lot from this very interesting conversation (with apologies to some audio difficulties) and we hope you do too!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged, we sit down with Nicole Springer, Managing Director at Xylem, who has transformed a local MNC subsidiary into a global powerhouse across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Israel, and Greece. Nicole's journey from general counsel to a visionary business leader is a testament to her passion for people, growth, and sustainable success. Join us as we delve into Nicole's unique approach to leadership, her love for empowering others, and her insights on expanding into new markets while maintaining a strong foundation in authentic and empathetic leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, Nicole's story will inspire you to embrace change, take risks, and lead with purpose.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the remarkable journey of revitalizing the Calgary International Film Festival with our guest, Steve Schroeder, a seasoned arts leader who took the helm during a financial crisis and steered the festival to unprecedented success.Get ready for a captivating conversation as we explore:The bold strategies that turned around a struggling festivalThe secrets behind record-breaking audience numbers and revenuesThe magic of achieving Oscar-qualifying status for short filmsHow a hybrid model kept the festival thriving through the pandemicWe also uncover our guest's earlier achievements at One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre, where innovative programming and strategic growth made it a leading arts organization.Packed with insider stories, strategic insights, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about arts leadership and the transformative power of culture.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.Join us on this episode of "Transitions in Leadership" as we delve into the dynamic career of Cheryll Watson, the CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta. Cheryll's journey from supporting small businesses at Intuit to enhancing Edmonton's entrepreneurial ecosystem is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how she founded Innovate Edmonton, ran for Mayor in 2021, and later spearheaded the opening of STEM Collegiate, where she now serves as the inaugural Board Chair. We'll explore her dedication to empowering youth for financial success, her passion for mental health, education, and environmental initiatives, and her vision for a vibrant downtown Edmonton. Tune in to hear Cheryll's insights on career transitions, leadership, and community impact.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.Join us on this episode of The Ampersand - Unplugged as we welcome Diane Wheatley, a proven leader with over 30 years of experience. Diane, the Managing Partner of Humanis in Edmonton, shares her inspiring career transition from senior management in finance and lending with one of Canada's top banks to her current role overseeing all corporate functions at Humanis.We'll delve into Diane's decade-long tenure as Chief Administrative Officer at a national HR talent management firm, where she played a pivotal role in the organization's growth and successful acquisition. Diane's deep involvement in the Edmonton community, including her work with the Festival of Trees Foundation and the Medical Admission Review Group at the University of Alberta, highlights her dedication to giving back.Don't miss this insightful conversation about leadership, career evolution, and community impact with the remarkable Diane Wheatley. Tune in to learn from her extensive experience and valuable insights on managing corporate functions, strategic planning, and contributing to the local community.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we sit down with Chantel Butt, the driving force behind Covalency Coaching, to explore the transformative world of psychometric assessments and personal development. Join us as we delve into Chantel's journey, her passion for coaching, and the innovative techniques she uses to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Whether you're curious about the science behind psychometric tests or eager to learn more about Covalency Coaching's unique approach, this conversation promises to be insightful and inspiring. Tune in to discover how Chantel and her team are making a difference in the world of personal and professional growth.Learn more about Covalency Coaching here: https://www.covalencycoaching.com/ Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode, we sit down with Raj Bhatti, a Partner at Humanis Edmonton, to explore his impressive career journey and gather insights into the recruitment industry. Raj shares his experiences from over a decade in search-related roles, starting with his work in a global firm where he specialized in placing senior-level professionals in accounting, finance, and business systems.In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the concept of fractional recruitment, an innovative approach that allows companies to access top-tier talent on a part-time or project basis. Raj explains the importance of fractional recruitment in today's dynamic business environment and educates listeners on how it can provide flexible, scalable solutions to meet various organizational needs. Tune in to gain valuable career insights from Raj Bhatti, a leader in the recruitment industry, and learn how his journey can inspire your own professional path.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Welcome back to The Ampersand: Unplugged! We're thrilled to be back after a hiatus, and let us tell you, these past few months have been quite the journey. In this episode, we're excited to finally reveal what we've been up to lately! This season, we're diving deep into candid conversations with both our clients and candidates. It's all about revealing the raw truths of career transitions, navigating the traditional career trajectory, and much more in our new series titled "Candidate Confessionals".But before we delve into the juicy details, we want to extend a warm welcome back to all of our listeners. Get ready for a season filled with honesty, inspiration, and insightful discussions!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this season finale episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had during Season 3, where we dove deep into the world of ESG and its profound importance in today's business landscape. From exploring sustainability initiatives to discussing ethical investing and corporate social responsibility, it's been a season filled with eye-opening insights and inspiring conversations.Join us as we recap some of the most memorable moments from Season 3, share key takeaways, and discuss the impact these discussions have had on our perspective. We'll also express our gratitude to our amazing listeners and guests who have made this season a remarkable success - we couldn't do this without you! PS: get ready for an exciting sneak peek into Season 4 as we tease what's coming next. Thank you for being part of our podcast family, and we can't wait to continue this incredible journey with you. Stay tuned!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

As we draw the curtains on another enlightening season of The Ampersand: Unplugged, join us for a special wrap-up episode with Christy Elliott, SVP, Sustainability, External Affairs & General Counsel at Keyera. Together, Christy and our co-hosts dive deep into the world of ESG strategy and overall business sustainability. Throughout this season, we've explored the intricacies of ESG, from its origins to its current prominence in the global financial landscape. In this final installment, we bring it all together, reflecting on the key takeaways and offering a comprehensive look at each aspect of ESG.In this episode, we discuss the interplay between these three pillars of ESG. How do environmental, social, and governance considerations intersect, and what does that mean for investors? We'll also examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as ESG continues to evolve.  Join us for a great episode with a great and knowledgable person to wrap this season up with! Learn more about Keyera at https://www.keyera.com/ Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

As we begin to close this season off, we have Matt Mayer, Founder of Arete Initiative, an organization whose mission is to help people and organizations live up to their highest potential through strategy, innovation and organizational excellence. The clients and initiatives that Arete works with are driven by realizing a sustainable future for people, planet and profit, and Arete Initiative a proud certified B Corp.As we chat with Matt, discover the significance of each ESG pillar: how companies address environmental concerns, embrace social responsibility, and enhance governance structures. We'll explore why ESG matters not only for the well-being of our planet and society but also for the long-term viability of businesses.Delve into the intricate systems used in ESG strategy through learning how companies collect, analyze, and disclose ESG-related data, and how investors and stakeholders use this information to make informed decisions.Matt shares insights into best practices for integrating ESG principles into business models and we explore real-world examples of companies that have successfully implemented ESG strategies and the positive outcomes of these. To get in touch with Matt check out their website at: https://www.areteinitiative.ca/ or email at: hello@areteinitiative.ca Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In an era marked by the pressing need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, the significance of Indigenous relations in the realm of ESG cannot be overstated. Join us in this enlightening episode with the Vice President, External Affairs at Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Sarah Schwann, as we delve into the profound intersection of Indigenous communities, corporate responsibility, and the energy transition. Sarah is a distinguished speaker from a leading energy transportation and midstream service company and brings invaluable insights into how forging respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples is not only ethically imperative but also strategically integral to the successful navigation of the evolving energy landscape.As we navigate the intricate pathways of the energy transition, collaboration with Indigenous communities emerges as a cornerstone of responsible corporate conduct. Sarah sheds light on the ways in which Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and land rights play an essential role in shaping environmentally conscious business practices. We explore the symbiotic relationship between Indigenous stakeholders and the broader goals of ESG. Join us to discover how fostering a harmonious coexistence with Indigenous peoples can propel the oil and gas industry toward a greener and more inclusive energy future.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance practices in the marketing world, with a special focus on the importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within this framework. Join us as we explore how these three essential pillars are interwoven and crucial in shaping the future of responsible marketing.Our guest, Lisa Genovese, President of BottomLine, leads professionals from the marketing sectors and sheds light on the undeniable connection between ESG and marketing all while highlighting the pivotal role EDI plays in driving positive change. We learn how ESG initiatives are no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.Together, we examine the challenges and barriers faced by marketing professionals, and business owners, while implementing EDI in ESG and explore steps to overcome them. From fostering diverse talent within marketing departments, and organizations in general, to promoting inclusive campaigns and product development, Lisa provides valuable insights on cultivating a culture of equity and belonging. We uncover how ESG-focused consumers are seeking alignment with their values, and how businesses that prioritize EDI can attract a loyal and engaged customer base.Tune in to this episode as we explore the symbiotic relationship between ESG and marketing, demonstrating that ethical practices are not just a trend but a crucial aspect of sustained success in the modern business landscape. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this thought-provoking episode, our co-hosts delve into the captivating realm of the legal profession and explore the pressing issue of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Canadian legal sphere with Dr. Kellinde Wrightson, Executive Director of The Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program for the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary. Our focus? The experiences of foreign-trained lawyers who embark on a journey to practice law in Canada. Kellinde helps us navigate the complexities and challenges faced by talented legal professionals hailing from different corners of the globe, seeking to establish their careers in a new legal landscape. Discover firsthand accounts of triumphs, setbacks, and the transformative power of fostering a truly inclusive community. Throughout the episode, we unravel the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the law and its profound impact on both individual lawyers and the legal profession as a whole. We explore the barriers that foreign-trained lawyers often encounter, from navigating regulatory frameworks to cultural nuances and biases, and examine the consequential effects on access to justice and legal representation.Whether you're a law enthusiast, a foreign-trained lawyer contemplating a move to Canada, or simply intrigued by the power of diversity within the legal sphere, this episode promises to ignite thought-provoking conversations and shed light on the vital importance of embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the law to build a more just and inclusive society.Tune in now and embark on this enlightening journey as we shatter barriers and champion the cause of foreign-trained lawyers in Canada!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this edition of The Ampersand: Unplugged, co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with Sol Zia, the Executive Director of the Calgary Hotel Association. The discussion again focuses on our Season 3 topic of ESG, this time through the lens of the Tourism and Hospitality sector. While the sector has returned to form following two very difficult Covid years, the impact of ESG has forced the industry to adapt to the changing landscape and to balance the expectations of the traveller with the imperatives related to environmental sustainability. Proving yet again that ESG is all around is, regardless of industry. So, as the Calgary Stampede gets into full swing and Calgary's hotels reach capacity, we hope you'll enjoy this edition of the podcast.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode we embark on a journey into the heart of the ESG framework, shining a spotlight on the crucial environmental & governance aspects. Join us as we dive deep into the intricate web of sustainability, uncovering the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of our communities and businesses. Alan Ross, Managing Partner at one of Canada's largest and oldest law firms, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, is our guest. Alan shares his insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and governance pillars within the ESG framework. We explore the challenges faced by businesses in aligning with sustainable practices and the opportunities that lie in implementing eco-friendly strategies. Tune in to this enlightening episode as we journey into the world of ESG with Alan. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

*Disclaimer* We were having some technical difficulties with our audio on the day we recorded this episode, so please bear with us while you tune in for a really interesting conversation. We appreciate your patience!* In this edition of The Ampersand: Unplugged,  co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky sit down with longtime friend of Adam's, and of the firm, Alex MacWilliam, the longest-serving partner of the law firm Dentons' Calgary office. In addition to some nostalgic, and at times hilarious, reminiscing about Adam's year as Alex's articling student 25 years ago, Alex shares several insights about ESG and how his legal practice has evolved to keep up with the changing times and how his firm, Dentons, is “walking the talk” on the subject.  Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with the esteemed Dean of the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Ian Holloway. In addition to being a long time friend of the firm and Adam's boss in Adam's capacity as a sessional instructor at U of C, Ian is a great story teller and scholar. Our discussion is wide ranging and talks about university campuses and free speech, the Rule of Law, psychological safety and why, at Zellers, the lowest price is the law.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with Chad Aboud, former General Counsel and Law Firm lawyer who now focuses his immense energy and passion into helping other lawyers uncover their natural traits and skills so that they are more successful and feel happier in their careers. A gifted and articulate speaker, Chad's passion for helping others comes through in all his work. When he sits down with one of our own ‘recovering lawyers' (Adam) and Ampersand Unplugged co-host, Kiara, the ideas flow and the energy is contagious. Adam teaches a course at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law on many of the topics and issues Chad deals with daily, so it was difficult at times for Kiara to get a word in! But she kept us on track and on topic throughout this most enjoyable conversation about life as young professional, navigating the ecosystem of the profession, and the secrets to contentment in ones work.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, our first official podcast of Season 3, we sit down with Rosa Rivero  from Responsibility Matters for a primer on all things ESG. Think of it as ESG 101, a great level-set for the season ahead where our focus will be on the emerging topic of Environment, Social, and Governance as it impacts organizations public and private, large and small, local and global. Rosa expertly walks us through some of the key definitions, oft-used acronyms, and sometimes misunderstood concepts related to ESG. By the end of the episode you will be armed with the vocabulary you'll need to navigate the rest of season 3!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

We are back!! In this brief teaser episode, co-hosts Adam and Kiara hint at the season to come, our new theme music debuts and the usual hilarity ensues. Tune in to find out what to expect in the season ahead!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we visit with our very own Kate Spencer for a highly enjoyable conversation about her role at our firm, how she arrived at Pekarsky & Co. after having known Adam for 25 years. We share stories about the firm, Kate's views on equity, diversity and inclusion and have a proper conversation about Taylor Swift. As you can easily tell from the banter among Kate and our co-hosts, Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky, the culture at Pekarsky & Co. is, indeed, our secret sauce. We hope you enjoy this light-hearted and fun convo.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with Pekarsky & Co.'s newest hire, Shannon Leo. Shannon will be leading and building the Toronto office of Pekarsky & Co. She listened to all of our podcasts as part of her due diligence on us; now's your chance to listen to Shannon and learn about her background, her move out of law and her decision to join our humble enterprise.  Join us, while we dive into issues such as diversity and inclusion, M&Ms or Smarties, and how we arrived at Shannon as an extroverted, wine-loving, dog-loving, chocolate preferring fan of summer. On the more serious side, we explore the correlation between leadership and empathy, the power of connection and the importance of saying “good job!”   Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we were honoured to be joined by Wes Hall, Founder of the BlackNorth Initiative, Dragon and Founder of Kingsdale Advisors; and Dr. Chika Onwuekwe, Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Trican Well Services and ENMAX Board Member.  Join us as Wes and Chika share their very personal immigrant stories, Wes from Jamaica and Chika from Nigeria as they landed in Canada, worked hard and excelled in a country that, though imperfect, gave them unparalleled opportunity. We dive into a personal and meaningful conversation about a broad range of topics, though never straying too far from the at times uncomfortable, though entirely necessary, discussion around systemic racism and what we can all do to end it. This is a very real and honest conversation. We can all learn from Wes and Chika's work ethic, grace, passion and humility. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with Susan Reckseider, Director of Interpretation at Heritage Park and Cheryl Foggo, Canadian author, documentary film director, screenwriter and playwright. We dive into a fascinating conversation about history, generally, and black history in Alberta, specifically. Where we've been, where we're headed and why it all matters. As usual, we end off with our Ask The Expert segment which hopefully you'll find more interesting that Kiara did!  Enjoy the episode, and thanks for listening!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Deborah shares with us her views on why “silence is violence,” why you can never take no for an answer and the irrevocable gift of education. We talk about breaking the “pale, stale and male” stereotype as both a Chamber and as a city and we talk about the future of talent in Alberta. And once we source that talent, how do we then make these “digital nomads” feel welcome here. Deborah shares her optimism around silos coming down and collaboration going up, the importance of tuning out the Eeyores and looking at what's possible rather than fixating on the obstacles. She concludes her time with us making a bold prediction for 2022 so you'll have to stick around until the end to find out! And, as always, our co-hosts finish this episode off with an Ask The Expert Q & A! Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, Kiara and Adam sit down with two of Canada's most respected and oldest professional services firms and their leaders. Brian Thiessen, Managing Partner of the law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt and Kent Kaufield, EY Canada's ESG Markets Leader & Chief Sustainability Officer join the Pod to talk about all things EDI. They candidly share their own journey and experiences from PEI to rural Saskatchewan and points in between and how they arrived in Calgary and are now taking a leading role in changing the narrative around EDI. Venerable law and accounting firms aren't typically associated with innovation and leading change. We expect you'll have a different viewpoint after tuning into this great conversation. And stick around after the interview for our Ask The Expert segment, too

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with two incredible women – Beba Svigir, CEO of the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association and Shannon Doram, CEO of the YMCA Calgary – to unpack the very du jour and critically important topic of diversity, equity and inclusion.We discuss diversity as a state of mind. We dissect what it means to feel included versus truly belonging. We hear Beba's view that it's actually better, and more diverse, to work with people who don't like her, over those who do! Shannon shares her views on creating a “web of intentionality” in our quest to create truly great and inclusive experiences.We talk about whether you should have to compromise in the name of diversity; about the two-way street that is diversity (for, you cannot be diverse without being open to learning where you are not diverse) and we explore the nuance of words – that equality and equity are different, for example. And we learn, in a remarkable twist, that Beba's first ever full-time job upon immigrating to Calgary was given to her by none other than the YMCA.Finally, if you stick with us to the very end, we host our first Ask the Expert answering YOUR questions about all things P&Co.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode, co-hosts Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky discuss their plans for the season ahead as well as look back at the lessons learned from their inaugural season of hosting The Ampersand: Unplugged.  A candid conversation where Kiara puts her boss on the hot seat about returning to work, and the two have a funny, honest conversation about the season ahead and even sprinkle a few Easter eggs about plans at Pekarsky & Co. in 2022.  Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this, our final episode of Season One of The Ampersand: Unplugged, our co-hosts, Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky spill the tea on what worked, what didn't, how Podcasts are made and their plans for Season 2. This at times giddy second-take recording of our big finale is a must listen as Adam and Kiara compare life in Alberta to the Lord of the Flies, opine on the art of being a welcoming guest and how to reach the mountain top of becoming a trusted advisor. And, Adam reveals when Season 2 will launch…wait until you hear Kiara's reaction. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with another member of the Pekarsky & Co. team, Client Partner, Erin Dand. We have a great chat about growing up on a farm outside a small village in Saskatchewan, heading to the "big city" (of Kindersley!) for school, chores on the farm, getting into trouble, and much more. We sort of geek out on what the whole law firm life is like and have a good chat about why law firms are SOOOOO ripe for leadership development. As with other chats with P&Co. peeps, this is yet another look into the unique culture and 'special sauce' of our humble enterprise. We hope you'll tune in and, if you do, we know you'll enjoy!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with Mayoral candidate, Jan Damery. Jan, presently on leave from her role with the YW of Calgary, is seeking the Mayor's chair after a lifetime of involvement in political and community matters. We have a wide-ranging discussion about the pros and cons of being an outsider, how Jan's life experiences have prepared her for this run and why she thinks she can do the job. This is the last of our conversations with Calgary's Mayoral hopefuls before election day on October 18th. Hopefully our interviews with each of Jyoti Gondek, Jeff Davison, Brad Field and Jan have given you some insights and food for thought as you think about who you plan to vote for. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with our very own Cam McDonald (or, Cameron, when we're being serious). Originally hailing from Sydney Australia, Cam chased his wife to Canada and has been living in Calgary ever since. He shares stories about fatherhood, raising his two young kids while balancing a busy career. We also share some hilarious Vegas stories, do a deep dive into the difference between retained and contingent recruitment, the differences between Australia and Canada and why Cricket is better than baseball. We hope you'll tune in as we just know you'll appreciate hearing the insights of one of our own and enjoying a front row seat to the truly unique culture at the core of Pekarsky & Co.'s special sauce.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with another of Calgary's Mayoral candidates, Brad Field. A lifelong Calgarian and business owner, Brad is the 'outsider' candidate, not from City Hall and bringing the perspective of a business owner and community member to the Mayor's Chair. Join us as we discuss trains from Calgary to Banff, doing politics differently and whether Brad would rather be a famous badminton star or no name baseball player.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Having worked in 9 different industries and across Canada, Bob Sartor, CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, joins us on this episode of the podcast to discuss all things airport. Who's Bob's customer? Why does it even matter? Why passengers are guests and why that matters. Bob candidly discusses the challenges of managing through the pandemic and the virtues of never reading a book twice. Once describing the airport as “a giant shopping mall that airplanes park at” Bob reveals that, unlike many who work at YYC, he has no great passion for aviation, but rather a passion for building great companies who aspire to be leaders in their field. Tune in for this fascinating discussion with one of Calgary's truly great leaders.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with the owner of Murrieta's West Coast Bar & Grill. Not only is Murrieta's the long-time neighbour and friend of Pekarsky & Co. in the old Alberta Hotel Building, but its owner, Ron Salverda, is a truly fascinating person with lots to say. Having studied architecture in school and growing up with one of the top 10 chef's in America (his dad), Ron speaks candidly about managing a downtown restaurant through a crushing pandemic, the future of Calgary and why we're sort of dropping the ball when it comes to revitalizing the core. Join us to learn from Ron the difference between a Chef and a Cook, what makes a truly great waiter, bartender and customer experience. And most importantly, why 2022 is going to be Off The Hook! You will love this tasty edition of The Ampersand: Unplugged!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

On this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down with City Councillor and Mayoral candidate, Jeff Davison.  Jeff shares his views on Calgary “the Mecca of opportunity,” a “hand up, not hand out city,” how he plans to “expand the base, not the rate” and how “he can, and will” bring the city through its Covid recovery. If the Mayor's chair doesn't become Jeff's, we are certain that a bumper sticker business would be a home run.  Jeff, a lifelong Calgarian, discusses a broad range of issues from why people choose to live in Calgary (“nobody moves to Toronto or Vancouver because it's cheaper”), whether he'd prefer to live forever or win the lottery and why he'd eat pizza forever, and not ice cream.  Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

Join us for a great conversation with Jordan Singer, President of Henry Singer Fashion Group, as we explore the similarities between men's fashion and executive search, building trust, curating the customer experience and why you should never look at the back of your head when the barber holds the mirror up. Jordan, a third-generation business owner, walks us through the challenges of buying next season's fashions while this season's merchandise is still on the shelf, and he explores what it means to be special, how we'll dress post Covid and whether he would rather talk with the animals or speak all foreign languages.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode we spend some quality time with Jyoti Gondek. City Councillor. Entrepreneur. Mother. Leader. Businessperson. Wife. Citizen. Friend. Daughter. Problem solver. Expert in how cities work. Current Ward 3 Councillor and mayoral candidate, Jyoti is a driven city builder, entrepreneur and diversity champion. She shares her story with us. From Winnipeg to Wainwright, Greyhound Bus Lines to her version of Calgary's Hop On/Hop Off bus tour, Jyoti talks candidly about being a woman on City Council, a diverse mayoral candidate, leading with humility and having X-Ray vision. We hope you enjoy. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged we sit down, albeit virtually and with no end of technical difficulties, with four of Calgary's legendary city builders. Jim Gray, George Brookman, Rod McKay and Brian Felesky discuss everything from white hats to green lines; from why Calgary made a mistake in not bidding for the 2026 Olympics and how one generation of city builders passes the mantle of leadership to the next; from bungee jumping to deep sea diving and from the old Chinook Drive-In to present day challenges and opportunities facing the city. There isn't a conference in the world that wouldn't want to book these four gentlemen for a one-hour sit down such as the one we were privileged to host. Tune in and enjoy!Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, our co-hosts unpack dysfunction, the Popeye Syndrome, creating safe spaces, looking at your proclivities and living to 143 years of age. A fascinating and candid discussion about leadership and where it's headed, assessments and how they're to be used, and finding your blind spots with Pekarsky & Co. Director, Leadership Development Dr. Jill Birch.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, we sit down with Pekarsky & Co. Partner and longest-serving employee, Ranju Shergill. Affectionately known around the firm as "Mom," Ranju is often referred to as the operational conscience of the enterprise. She is also an immigrant and she leads the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiative at Pekarsky & Co. and for Panorama, the global alliance of boutique executive search firms to which Pekarsky & Co. belongs. In this wide-ranging and candid discussion we learn how Ranju first came to search after a 16 year career in environmental sciences, why diversity and inclusion matters, what role executive search firms can play in this critical area and whether she would choose to live without eyebrows or eyelashes.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

We recently sat down with Adam Hayes, Managing Principal of Cresa, a commercial real estate advisory firm that exclusively advises, represents and advances the interests of commercial real estate occupiers – no landlords, no developers. Adam shared his views about downtown Calgary, the once-in-a-generation tenant's market and described entire office towers that currently sit empty. We explored how we got into this mess and how we're going to get out of it. Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!

In this episode of The Ampersand: Unplugged, our inaugural podcast, our two co-hosts, Kiara Marika and Adam Pekarsky, sit down to discuss the idea behind the podcast, the evolution of the firm that brought us to this point and set the stage for future episodes.  While this candid conversation between two colleagues and friends reveals some little known facts about Pekarsky & Co., its origins and the road ahead, this episode was really an opportunity to work out the kinks and find our mojo.Want to stay connected with us? Follow us on social media! LinkedIn & Instagram!