Innovation Fuel
127 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Innovation Fuel is UCW’s weekly business podcast with Dr. Gelareh Farhadian and Dave Keighron. Through conversations with featured guests, the IF team shares relevant stories, lessons and tips that educators can use in the classroom. As firm believers in experiential learning, Dr. Gelareh and Dave invite their guests to share their journey and expertise with listeners to help build relevant case-study-type interviews that explore various business topics across all industries.
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Episodes
Scale-Up Roadblocks in Canada
March 15, 2022 19:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome none other than our very own Sheldon Levy, President of University Canada West! Sheldon joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss challenges when trying to scale your business in Canada. Citing UCW's latest white paper, Fuelling B.C.’s Tech Talent Pipeline, Sheldon also digs deeper into his findings on why startups don't stay in Canada to continue to grow, plus much more!
Overcoming Life's Hardships
March 09, 2022 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Stephane Grenier, Founder and Lead Innovator of Mental Health Innovations Consulting, as he joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss stopping life's hardships from affecting your mental health. Stephane digs a little deeper as he also discusses not letting your past affect how you live your life and being mindful of others' mental health in the workplace.
Vancouver Based Startup Challenges
March 01, 2022 20:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome guest Manuj Aggarwal, CEO of TetraNoodle Technologies! Manuj is also a leading AI expert, innovation evangelist, business strategist and coach. Joining hosts Dave and Gelareh, Manuj will unpack the question of why Vancouver is a good startup location, but not a good scale-up location. With factors like lack of talent, finance and technology playing a big part, we need to talk to the experts and address these issues to understand them bett...
Indigenous Entrepreneur Challenges Part 2
February 22, 2022 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we continue our conversation with Jack Smith, Indigenous Business Developer and Director on the Board of Economic Development Cooperation. Jack joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss the services available (and unavailable) to Indigenous entrepreneurs that allow them to even the playing field with other entrepreneurs, no matter the type of business. What are the challenges faced and what solutions are available? These are some of the questions disc...
Indigenous Entrepreneur Challenges Part 2
February 22, 2022 20:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we continue our conversation with Jack Smith, Indigenous Business Developer and Director on the Board of Economic Development Cooperation. Jack joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss the services available (and unavailable) to Indigenous entrepreneurs that allow them to even the playing field with other entrepreneurs, no matter the type of business. What are the challenges faced and what solutions are available? These are some of the questions disc...
Entrepreneurship Hurdles
February 15, 2022 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave and Gelareh welcome guest Jake McEwan, Managing Director at Gracorp and Co-Founder at LiveShare CoLiving, to discuss the challenges facing entrepreneurs in British Columbia when bringing innovation, ideas and creativity to the market! Whether it's over or under regulation, existing policies or just bureaucratic red tape, there needs to be a balance between culture, ideas and regulations.
Challenges of an Indigenous Entrepreneur
February 08, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Jack Smith, Indigenous Business Developer and Director on the Board of Economic Development Cooperation! Jack joins hosts Dave and Dr. Gelareh to discuss how Indigenous entrepreneurs can compete with other entrepreneurs on every business level. They also question how we can tackle the challenges of connecting Indigenous people with access to the tools, support and resources to create business opportunities in rural communities.
Data and its Role in Marketing
February 01, 2022 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Graeme Csath, CMO of Lift Metrics! Graeme joins Dave and Dr. Gelareh for an exciting and informative discussion on the power of data and growth hacking in marketing. They also discuss learning to anticipate your customers' journey through data and how to create a more effective marketing strategy for your business.
The Path of An Entrepreneur
January 25, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Peyman Chalabi, CEO of Drucker Pro International and a UCW alumnus. International students interested in opening a business may encounter unique risks and unknowns in their journey to becoming an entrepreneur. Peyman delves into every aspect of this, from visas and legal obligations to finances, culture and marketing. Peyman also shares his experience as an international student who has established his own business. Listen to the episode ...
A Walk Down an Academic Path
January 18, 2022 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Kristen Morgan, Founder of Morgan Academic Consulting! Kristen joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss how she helps guide parents through the process of journey mapping and identifying steps for them to take during their child's academic journey. Kristen also talks about academic consulting, building the confidence of children in their capacity and why it's important to keep academic doors open when planning a path during what can be an expens...
Coping with Change
January 11, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBUniversity Canada West's Innovation Fuel Podcast has returned with its first episode of season 2! Dave and Gelareh have invited back Christina Furtado, a Mental Health and Wellness Specialist at Guard.me, to discuss the life changes and stressors of an international student while adapting to life abroad. Christina also speaks about what it means to be an international student, an expat or an immigrant and how reprioritizing your worries is a helpful tool to navigate the change.
It's a wrap for Season 1 of Innovation Fuel!
December 14, 2021 23:00 - 1 minute - 883 KBGelareh and Dave wish you happy holidays! They will take a hot cocoa break while season 2 of Innovation Fuel is baking in the oven. Stay tuned!
The Genius Behind Future Smiles
November 30, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Dr. Kevin Aminzadeh and UCW MBA alumnus Amir Rad of Implant Genius! Dr. Kevin Aminzadeh is one of the foremost world experts on implant placement and technology. He is a doctor, educator, innovator, entrepreneur and also the founder of Implant Genius. Amir is the Head of Research and Development at Implant Genius and received his Master of Business Administration from University Canada West. Dr. Aminzadeh and Amir join Dave and Gelareh...
The Genius Behind Future Smiles
November 30, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Dr. Kevin Aminzadeh and UCW MBA alumnus Amir Rad of Implant Genius! Dr. Kevin Aminzadeh is one of the foremost world experts on implant placement and technology. He is a doctor, educator, innovator, entrepreneur and also the founder of Implant Genius. Amir is the Head of Research and Development at Implant Genius and received his Master of Business Administration from University Canada West. Dr. Aminzadeh and Amir join Dave and Gelareh...
Defining Your Happiness
November 23, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Christina Furtado, a Mental Health and Wellness Specialist at Guard.meCARES. Christina joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss the mental health effect of COVID-19 and its impact on our core values in our personal and professional life. She also discusses the definition of living normally and learning how to find balance in adjusting to things beyond our control.
Defining Your Happiness
November 23, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Christina Furtado, a Mental Health and Wellness Specialist at Guard.meCARES. Christina joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss the mental health effect of COVID-19 and its impact on our core values in our personal and professional life. She also discusses the definition of living normally and learning how to find balance in adjusting to things beyond our control.
Discovering Data Intelligence
November 16, 2021 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Hamed Taheri and Reza Raissjalali. Hamed and Reza joined Dave and Gelareh to discuss the victorious discovery of Sniper Intel and the solutions they provide to their clients. They spoke on the use of Sniper as a communication tool for salespeople and the benefits users receive by capturing more revenue opportunities. Hamed and Reza also further discussed how Sniper strives for simplicity and effectiveness using artificial intelligence.
Preparing For The Transitional Win
November 09, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBWe're back from our break with another episode of Innovation Fuel as we welcome Melanie Ewan! Melanie is an international speaker, writer and startup coach known for her work in community-based research and advocacy for women in business and tech. She is also the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Volition, an organization that builds connectivity, capacity and knowledge in global startup ecosystems. Melanie joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss her successful journey as a startup coach, and h...
The Entrepreneurial Experiment
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Dr. Mohammad Keyhani! Dr. Mohammad Keyhani is an Iranian-Canadian Associate Professor and Area Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. Dr. Keyhani joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss entrepreneurship in technologies and no-code entrepreneurship. He also speaks on his development of tools and resources for startups and entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurial Experiment
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Dr. Mohammad Keyhani! Dr. Mohammad Keyhani is an Iranian-Canadian Associate Professor and Area Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. Dr. Keyhani joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss entrepreneurship in technologies and no-code entrepreneurship. He also speaks on his development of tools and resources for startups and entrepreneurs.
The Ultimate Gaming Experience
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Spiro Khouri, CEO at The Gaming Stadium! Spiro joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and the passion he had for gaming at a young age that led to his success in the industry. Spiro also talks about his goal of connecting fans and brands by creating faster Esports experiences for the future of gaming.
The Ultimate Gaming Experience
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Spiro Khouri, CEO at The Gaming Stadium! Spiro joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and the passion he had for gaming at a young age that led to his success in the industry. Spiro also talks about his goal of connecting fans and brands by creating faster Esports experiences for the future of gaming.
Building The Community Garden
September 28, 2021 07:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Kerry Gibson, the President of EcoCentury Technologies and VP of Strategic Partnerships for ZiphyCare, who is also a current MBA student at University Canada West. Kerry joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss her journey and address areas of a sustainable model that keeps people healthy at home. Kerry also talks about Nutrition through Engagement and Agricultural Technologies (N-EAT) and its impact as a Pacific Water Research Centre project...
The Reality Check
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Greg Ryder, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operations at Bam Digital! Greg joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss strategic decision-making and Bam Digital’s design and engineering strategy-based solutions. Greg also talks about Bam Digital’s clients, services and approach in creating digital solutions for the real estate industry.
The Problem Solver
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Michael Cheng, CEO and Co-Founder of Lumen5, a video creation platform! Michael joins Dave and Gelareh to share his incredible insights on how Lumen5 uses video creation for brands and businesses to drive audience engagement. Michael talks about his discoveries as an entrepreneur and problem solver and how that helped him throughout his journey.
The First Step
September 07, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Kim Kaplan, CEO of Snack, a video-first dating platform that looks to merge the popularity and format of TikTok with the dating world. Kim shares her experience working in the dating app industry and how that inspired her to create the innovative app.
Following The Finance Trail
August 31, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome back Curtis Campbell, Vice-President of Business Markets at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)! Curtis joins Dave and Gelareh to share insights on the different ways RBC can help clients with their businesses. Curtis also discusses RBC’s data protection and the finance and banking support offered to help clients make effective decisions.
A Look Into The Future
August 24, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Curtis Campbell, Vice-President of Business Markets for the BC Region at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)! Curtis joins Dave and Gelareh to share highlights from his journey over the last 24 years at RBC. Curtis discusses business health and the continuous aim to educate, support and advise his business clients while maximizing value.🎙
Reaping The Rewards
August 17, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we are excited to welcome Shirin Saleh, Managing Broker at 88West Realty. Shirin joins Dave and Gelareh to share her amazing journey on how she entered the world of real estate. 🏡 Shirin also shares with us the tools she uses to help her better understand the needs of each client.
The Gifted House
August 10, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome back Chris Hobbs, Founder and President of TTT Studios, who joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss the talent management process. Chris also shares the hiring process and opportunities that TTT Studios has to offer for those wanting to work for a startup company.
The Magical Experience
August 03, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Chris Hobbs, Founder and President of TTT Studios, joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss how to improve the user journey through a UX and UI design strategy. Chris also shares the design process and his experience working with industry leaders to solve their problems through technology.
Top Secret
July 27, 2021 18:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome back Raghwa Gopal, President and CEO of Innovate BC. Raghwa joins Dave and Gelareh to discuss the BC Government's funding and support process, in addition to highlighting some of the different accelerators within Canada.
Learning Curves
July 20, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Abbie Morris, Marketing Director and Founder of FarOut Wilderness, joins hosts Dave and Gelareh! Abbie shares her entrepreneurial journey and the two key products she currently offers: Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents and FarOut Wilderness.
The Venture Journey
July 13, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we are excited to welcome back Brazilian entrepreneur Ingrid Polini! Dave, Gelareh and Ingrid discuss how to find accelerators and the benefits of finding a mentor, networking opportunities and startup pitches.
Global Connections
July 06, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss the world of trade and resources in British Columbia. They also discuss the Surrey International Trade Centre, where they create global business connections within a digital environment.
The Wake Up Call
June 29, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Paul Brassard is back to discuss the different types of fundraising for startups and the trick to finding strategic investors. Dave, Gelareh and Paul also talk about unlocking the Vancouver startup landscape and community.
The Big Push
June 22, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Samarth Mod, CEO of FreshWorks Studio, talks about his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced launching a tech startup as a student. Sam, Gelareh and Dave discuss what Sam learned along the way and how that journey motivated him to become an entrepreneur.
The Startup Therapist
June 15, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Paul Brassard, Managing Partner and Founder of Volition, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the first-hand experiences that led to him becoming a Master Pitch and Presentation Coach. Dave, Gelareh and Paul further discuss Investor Pitching as a career and the problems Volition solves in creating networks and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing across startup sectors and stakeholders.
One Idea, Many Solutions
June 08, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, guest Carrie Goetz is back to discuss the services she offers and the problems she tackles as Chief Information Technology Officer at StrategITcom. She talks about the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing tech services and discusses providing solutions through data centers and construction management.
An Honest Legacy
June 01, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, our guest is Carrie Goetz, Chief Information Technology Officer at StrategITcom. Join Dave, Gelareh and Carrie as they discuss the impacts of COVID-19, changes made while staff work from home and gaining employees during a global pandemic. Carrie also talks about the range of services offered at StrategITcom – from strategic planning and design and project implementation to supporting the next generation of talent, with a focus on women, veterans an...
The Startup Of You
May 25, 2021 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBIn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, we hear from Pedram Ataee, an Artificial Intelligence Architect who invented a breakthrough AI algorithm with several US patents. Join Dave, Gelareh and Pedram to hear about how you can become invested in AI and technology and learn the benefits of choosing the right investor for a tech start-up. Listen now to hear Pedram’s strategy for turning an idea into a business!
The Leap In Technology
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear shares how he started RightHear and how the company uses technology to turn public spaces into accessible environments for people with low vision or orientation challenges. Idan further discusses the process of working with venues to make their public spaces more accessible for people with limited vision.
The Leap In Technology
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear shares how he started RightHear and how the company uses technology to turn public spaces into accessible environments for people with low vision or orientation challenges. Idan further discusses the process of working with venues to make their public spaces more accessible for people with limited vision.
Beginning of Success
May 11, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome back Ralph Kison, a leader in strategy, coaching, leadership and business development. Ralph discusses his consultation process and how he helps clients develop growth and success. Listen now to hear Ralph talk about the free consultations he offers to organizations and professionals to help them excel both personally and in the workplace.
The World of Change
May 04, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this week’s episode of Inovation Fuel, Dave, Gelareh and Ralph Kison, President of Kison Inc., discuss organizational development, team building, conflict resolution and achieving personal and professional goals. Ralph talks about the turning point in his life that led to launching his business and his passion for empowering individuals and organizations. Join us and hear Ralph's amazing journey through coaching, training and consulting.
Creating Your Success Story
April 27, 2021 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBOn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we meet Colin Weston, Co-Founder of Startup Vancouver, who says, "You need to create something and get it out there." Colin shares his entrepreneurial journey and connections with Startup Vancouver, highlights the importance of building relationships and helping people, and the failure factors that entrepreneurs should overcome.
The Big Boom
April 20, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBConcerned about your electric bill? Join us for this week's Innovation Fuel episode to find out about Solar Alliance, an innovative energy solution for homes and businesses. CEO Myke Clark talks about how he never gave up on his goal of being an innovative entrepreneur, the concept of relationship building and the market penetration of the Solar Alliance, and the impact of COVID-19.
The Big Boom
April 20, 2021 07:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBConcerned about your electric bill? Join us for this week's Innovation Fuel episode to find out about Solar Alliance, an innovative energy solution for homes and businesses. CEO Myke Clark talks about how he never gave up on his goal of being an innovative entrepreneur, the concept of relationship building and the market penetration of the Solar Alliance, and the impact of COVID-19.
The Happier Voice
April 13, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this week's episode of Innovation Fuel Maryam Mobini, co-founder and CEO of transformative technology company to:Resonate shares her focus on mental, emotional and social wellness. Join Dave, Gelareh and Maryam to discuss human purpose and performance to become our best selves and helping people live a happier and healthier life. Maryam further discusses how she helps individuals develop healthier habits. Hear from this vibrant entrepreneur about the techniques used to raise mental health...
Perfect Life
April 06, 2021 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBOn this week’s episode of Innovation Fuel, Lili Molavi, a Registered Nutritional Counsellor and health food store owner, talks about how growing up on a diet of organic foods contributed to her passion for nature and food as medicine. Lili shares how her health journey led to dissatisfaction with the side effects of medications and her research on natural healing based on alternative medicine and healing methods. Lili further discusses how she helps clients pick the right products and plan t...