The Ampersand - Unplugged – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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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.

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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!

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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/ 

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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 

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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.

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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*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.  

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