Icebreakers is the only podcast exploring the intersection of Canadian and Eurasian business, culture, and personalities. Join Nathan Hunt as he hosts leaders, politicians, artists, and more as they reflect on the current state of Canadian and Eurasian cooperation and look to the future to speculate on what is to come. With each new episode, we discover new exciting stories, personal experiences and determine various opportunities to form a bilateral dialogue between our countries and people.
Icebreakers is produced bi-weekly by the Canada Eurasia Chamber of Commerce, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia.
Learn more about CECC here: https://www.canadaeurasia.com/
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"Building Bridges from Canada to Kazakhstan" with Tim Gitzel
Season 2 · Episode 7
Thursday, May 18, 2023 • Duration 44:13
In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Tim Gitzel, the President and CEO of Cameco Corporation, the world's largest uranium producer. With over 25 years of senior management and legal experience in Canadian and international uranium mining, Mr. Gitzel has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with our listeners.
As the Honorary Council of Kazakhstan to Saskatchewan and a Board member of various prestigious organizations including the World Nuclear Association and the Kazakhstan - Canada Business Council, Mr. Gitzel provides valuable insights on the transformation of Kazakhstan's mining industry and what makes the country an attractive destination for foreign investors.
1:56 Growing up in communities of Northern Saskatchewan
2:59 Hockey passion and a call that never comes
4:30 Breaking into the uranium industry
7:06 Uranium 2011: from ‘’sky-high” to “now what?”
10:44 Cameco, as the largest industrial employer of Indigenous people
13:14 Expanding to Kazakhstan market
16:07 Modernization of Kazakhstan’s mining sector
18:00 Adapting to JORC code principles
19:03 Cameco-Kazatomprom joint venture
21:46 Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Saskatchewan
24:33 Meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
27:49 Political leadership of the government of Kazakhstan
30:22 Mr. Gitzel’s advice on entering the Kazakhstan market
33:35 Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KCBC)
38:11 What made Tim Gitzel a leader?
40:09 What does the future hold for Tim Gitzel?
43:34 Outro
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
"Uzbekistan:New Heights in Higher Education" with Peter McCann
Season 2 · Episode 6
Friday, September 23, 2022 • Duration 38:00
In today’s episode we are joined by Mr. Peter McCann, a Management Consultant, an author of two business books, and now Advisor to the Rector at Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute. Peter has over 30 years of experience in consulting small and large businesses in the USA & Canada, as well as taught and lectured in Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Peter shares his firsthand experience in establishing his own business and new professional and social life in Central Asia, education reforms in Uzbekistan and large-scale projects in partnership with the world leaders in vocational training. How will applying the best international practices address the core challenges in education? What opportunities does this tremendous transformation open for Canada-Uzbekistan cooperation?
1:40 – Radical transformation of the Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute (TCTI)
7:30 – Growing up in Ottawa's rural northwest
9:20 – First career breakthroughs
12:32 – Turnarounds and Consultancy practice
'A merit-based education system in Kazakhstan' with Jean-François Caron
Season 2 · Episode 5
Friday, September 2, 2022 • Duration 48:21
Today we’re hosting Dr. Jean-François Caron, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he teaches Political Theory. Dr. Caron has authored 6 monographs and more than 20 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.
Jean-François shares a story of his career development in a cross-national perspective, forming family, teaching and living in Kazakhstan. He also elaborates on principles and admission criteria in the Nazarbayev University, as well as discusses State Scholarship Opportunities for foreign students.
2:18 – Early life integration into educational environment
3:41 – English-based teaching in Nazarbayev University
4:59 – From Plato to Francisco Nguema
7:45 – From Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to affiliate work in Poland
9:41 – Meeting significant other on a 1st day in Kazakhstan
12:43 – Merit-based admission to Nazarbayev University
16:15 – hard work is always gets paid off
18:57 – The logic of meritocracy
24:17 – Adjusting to virtual environment
29:27 – Tapping into technology
30:37 – Subtleties of the Kazakh language
33:54 – Kazakh wedding traditions
'Uzbekistan: New Era of Opportunity' with Eldor Mannopov
Season 2 · Episode 4
Friday, August 12, 2022 • Duration 38:26
Join us on a journey through the heart of Central Asia and the birthplace of 1001 Arabian Nights - the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visit Tashkent and Navoi, Khiva and Samarkand, Kyzylkum and Aralkum deserts - all through the eyes of the Canadian Honorary Consul of Canada in Uzbekistan and Managing Partner at Dentons Uzbekistan - Mr. Eldor Mannopov.
In this episode, we discuss the progressive reforms and improvements introduced by the government of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in support of the foreign business, Uzbek's extraordinary hospitality and personal experiences living and working in the country.
05:10 Landmark M&A: privatization of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan
06:21 Gosplan years
08:23 President Merziyoyev era
9:51 Monetary policy reform
14:33 Tax reform: stable and transparent regime
17:31 Public procurement laws and e-government innovations
20:23 1001 Arabian Night stories' birthplace
21:51 Mining industry reform in Uzbekistan
27:27 Foreign investors in Uzbekistan mining
'Seizing an opportunity in Kazakhstan' with Darren Klinck
Season 2 · Episode 3
Friday, July 1, 2022 • Duration 33:48
We are excited to host Mr. Darren Klinck today, President and Director at the Arras Minerals – a Canadian junior mining & exploration company operating in Kazakhstan.
Darren has extensive international experience in mining, having raised over 800 million for the projects globally including Guatemala, Laos, Australia, New Zeeland and Myanmar. He is sharing his personal stories about growing up in rural Alberta, getting involved in mining and capital markets, founding the first ever Canadian junior mining company in Kazakhstan and providing a piece of advice for Canadian investors considering Eurasia.
02:30 Close encounter in snowy Sierra, Northern Mexico
06:03 Headhunters in the Philippines
06:54 From Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw
08:52 Gold Rush in South Carolina
11:32 Getting excited over an opportunity in Kazakhstan
12:44 Similarities to Canada
13:58 Western approach to doing business
15:30 Do investors feel comfortable? Perceptions
'How to Change the World” with Jim Gibson
Season 2 · Episode 2
Friday, May 13, 2022 • Duration 38:57
We are hosting Mr. Jim Gibson today, Chief Catalyst and Community Leader at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Jim is a passionate serial entrepreneur and author of “Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads”. Jim brings over 30 years of experience in digital technologies, innovations, mentorship, and technological ventures into the conversation.
With his help we are exploring the notion of digital literacy and digital citizenship as well as investigate the coming tsunami of technological change. Precisely, how will the exponential technological growth influence our lives, education sector and contemporary youth? What are the opportunities for Canada-Eurasia collaboration and what does “How to change the World” program contribute to the global education industry?
Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads" book by Jim Gibson
Timeline:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Welcome Jim Gibson
1:27 What does it mean to be digitally literate?
4:46 Digital Intelligence classes for digital natives by SAIT
9:05 Understanding your digital footprint
11:00 Technology genie out of the bottle but the legislation is lagging
Can-do Attitude Globally with Don Streu
Season 2 · Episode 1
Friday, April 22, 2022 • Duration 40:22
It’s time to hear words of wisdom from our honoured guest and oil and gas expert, Mr. Don Streu, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta and President, CEO and Director at Condor Petroleum.Don has over 35 years of experience in the oil & gas industry globally: from Angola to Indonesia, from Canada to Central Asia. He’s sharing his personal experience of operating a company in Kazakhstan, exploring the Uzbekistan market, working with oil & gas reserves, and leading LNG technological revolution in Central Asia.
2:36 Will the current uptick in Gas & Oil price help Alberta’s economy?
3:50 Starting with Shevron in 1986
5:52 The “Three No” Rule and move to Angola
11:04 Experiences in Indonesia and Nigeria
14:09 Founding Condor Petroleum: turning to Kazakhstan
16:25 What does it take to discover oil?
17:53 Step in the right direction: introducing LNG technology in Kazakhstan
20:19 Ethical oil
22:48 Can-do attitude: Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani culture and professionalism
Reinvention with Nathan Hunt
Season 1 · Episode 16
Saturday, February 5, 2022 • Duration 53:55
We’re turning the tables on Nathan Hunt today - the host for the ICE/Breakers Podcast - making him the interviewee. Nathan is a Yale University graduate, summa cum laude, and a former Russia Director of the Canadian meat and dairy traders, Ronald A. Chisholm Limited. Nathan is one of the founders of CERBA and has chaired its Moscow Chapter since its inception. He’s sharing his experience of living and doing business in rapidly changing Russia reinventing himself and discovering new potential throughout two and a half decades in the country.
2:17 80s and early 90s speculating on cassette tapes in Russia
4:40 Chicken purchase gone afoul
7:30 Pivoting to the Canadian angle
10:00 Late 90s/early 2000s: Pioneering new sources of meat to Russia
12:10 CBAR inception
13:58 Time when Russia favoured Canada
15:30 Lada imports from the USSR to Canada
17:58 Punching above our weight: CERBA story
23:46 2008 recession and new beginnings
25:36 Early 2010s: CERBA expansion to Vancouver and Kazakhstan
A Blueliner's Path to Kazakhstan with Darren Dietz
Season 1 · Episode 15
Friday, January 14, 2022 • Duration 31:54
In today's episode of Icebreakers, we welcome Darren Dietz, Canadian-born, former "Barys Nur-Sultan" team captain and current Russian CSKA hockey player. After a successful transition to "Barys" and KHL League, he became a national treasure among Kazakh fans and was awarded a KHL Defenseman of the Year in 2018/2019.
Darren shares his professional hockey journey throughout the NHL and KHL leagues, as well as his experience living in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also discusses international sports cooperation opportunities between Canada and Eurasia and his latest transition to the CSKA Moscow.
05:00 Drafted by Montreal Canadiens - Dream Come True!
06:00 New experiences in KHL
09:09 Greetings from Barys Team
10:35 Becoming a Kazakh hockey legend and Team Captain
13:24 Speaking Russian
16:40 Fast-forward transition to CSKA Red Army team
20:50 Darren the "Ptichka!"
“On Leadership” with Margaret Skok
Season 1 · Episode 14
Friday, December 24, 2021 • Duration 39:03
Today we are joined by the former Canadian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (2006-2009) – Honourable Margaret Skok. Margaret started her career with the RCMP Canada, as well as served with Global Affairs Canada at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (1991 – 1994).
She is sharing her experiences of unlocking Eurasian markets to Canadian businesses, the role of women in Central Asia, mobilizing change in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Canada’s place in the international nuclear strategy.
1:36 Merry Christmas and Happy New Years: Julian and Gregorian Calendars
2:05 Background: From WWII Poland on Queen Elizabeth through Pier 1 in Halifax to Saskatchewan
3:05 Career launch in federal public service
4:07 Joining AG Canada
5:20 Moscow 1991 - 1994
7:11 Farms in Russia and in the West
13:42 – Early steps towards Kazakhstan in 1998
16:28 – Aftermath of moving to Central Asia
21:55 – Meeting your better half and strengthening family bonds
24:25 – Uzbek progress and hard work
25:07 – Partnership with SAIT – the World Leaders in vocational training
27:45 – “The LEADER” Project from Ivey Business School in TCTI
30:03 – Life lessons taken from Judo
33:50 – What made Mr.Peter McCann a leader?
35:35 – What does the future hold for Peter McCann?
36:49 – Closing
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
35:52 – Canada-Kazakhstan cooperation opportunities in education
39:20 – Foreign students at Nazarbayev University
41:05 – What made Dr.Caron a leader?
42:46 – What does the future hold for Dr.Caron?
44:29 – Kazakh hospitality
47:22 – Closing
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
30:13 Desert fishing with Ambassador John Kur
32:22 6 million tons of cotton and the death of the Aral Sea: ESG solutions
34:46 Extraordinary hospitality of Uzbek people
36:26 Goals-based living
36:52 What does the future hold for Eldor?
37:23 Outro
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
17:30 Attracting more junior miners to Kazakhstan
19:45 Crisis management
22:00 Going public
25:46 Advice for Canadian investors
26:53 Enchanting and eclectic Nur-Sultan
28:22 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022
29:25 Fundraising insights
30:39 What made Darren a leader?
31:27 What does the future hold?
32:45 Closing
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
14:21 What skills will students need in the future?
16:12 Will we reach singularity soon?
18:03 20 years of change in 20 months
20:51 International programs and corporate trainings
24:03
Smart cities
26:43 “How to Change the World” program
31:17 SAIT School of Advanced Digital Technology (SADT)
34:00 The role of mentorship in education
36:02 What made you a Leader?
36:56 Pay attention! Or What does the future hold?
38:20 Outro
Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com
25:36 Opportunities in Uzbekistan
26:43 Leading the small-scale LNG revolution
29:53 What does it mean to be an Honorary Consul of Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta?
31:39 Enjoying Alberta and Ontario beef in Kazakhstan
33:12 Positive reforms in Kazakhstan
36:14 What made Don a leader?
37:09 What does the future hold for Don Streu?
39:21 Outro
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
29:00 Hollywood Hunt: Larry King, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher
31:41 Let’s be honest: Jean Charest meeting with Yuri Luzhkov
35:15 Business diplomacy
37:26 “Russia – a lousy place to do business, a great place to make money”
38:59 “Harper, Putin to star in 1972 Summit Series rematch”
44:00 The challenges and opportunities of the pandemic and climate change
47:04 What does the future hold for Nathan Hunt?
51:32 What made Nathan a leader?
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
21:58 Reciting "Zimnee Utro" by Pushkin at All-Stars KHL event
24:00 Common traits between Canadians, Kazakhs and Russians
25:27 On perspectives between NHL and KHL
28:05 50th Anniversary of Canada and USSR Superseries
29:10 What made Darren a leader?
29:55 What does the future hold for Darren Dietz?
30:48 Conclusion
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
12:31 Coup in Aug 1991
13:57 “Le Chateau Montebello” in Yakutia
15:10 Elections and difficult transformations in Ukraine and Belarus
17:24 Becoming an Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
19:20 Mobilizing change
20:17 The New Way – reforms in Kazakhstan
21:15 Gold and education in Kyrgyzstan
24:00 Tajikistan: women in AG
26:00 His Highness the Aga Khan
26:40 Role of women in business – Central Asia
28:31 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council
31:50 Canada and international nuclear strategy
34:11 What made Margaret a leader?
36:30 What does the future hold for Margaret?
37:30 Special thank you notes
38:28 Conclusion
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
