Shows
Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastSolving Sales Roadblocks: From Admin to OpportunityIn this compelling episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Willow Adkins, founder and CEO of Blair and Company, a strategic advisory firm dedicated to propelling companies toward revenue growth. Willow, a seasoned expert in building sales pipelines from the ground up, unveils her repeatable frameworks and innovative approach to sales enablement for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. She shares invaluable insights on cutting through data noise, tackling the "admin sales killer," and the profound impact of truly listening to both your team and your customers. Discover how...
2026-05-0529 min
Pure Media SolutionsThe Hidden Tech Mistakes That Can Destroy Your BusinessBuilding an app or scaling your business with tech sounds exciting… until it isn’t.What most founders don’t realize is that the biggest risks aren’t just financial—they’re legal, operational, and sometimes irreversible.In this episode of The Karas Wright Show, Karas Wright sits down with Rea Hailley, CEO of NewIdea Machine, to break down the real pitfalls business owners face when building tech. Fromhaving your idea stolen to losing control of your own platform, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually happens behind the s...
2026-04-2142 min
The Karas Wright ShowThe Hidden Tech Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business | Rea HailleyBuilding an app or scaling your business with tech sounds exciting, until it is not. Most founders do not realize the biggest risks are not just financial. They are legal, operational, and sometimes irreversible.In this episode of The Karas Wright Show, Karas Wright sits down with Rea Hailley, CEO of New Idea Machine, to break down the real pitfalls business owners face when building tech.This episode is for founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners thinking about building an app, investing in tech, or scaling their operations who want to do it the right way.
2026-04-2042 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastFrom Advisor to Architect: Building a SaaS with Vibe Coding and Claude
In this episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Mina Demian, the founder of Grants-Ease AI and a veteran startup advisor. Mina shares his journey of transitioning from writing grants in the nonprofit sector to becoming a "non-technical" founder by leveraging the power of "vibe coding." The conversation explores how AI is levelling the playing field for smaller nonprofits by turning tedious, month-long grant writing processes into efficient, one-hour tasks. Mina provides a masterclass on the importance of distinguishing between "noise" and "signal" in early-stage startups and why he believes the traditional...
2026-04-1435 min
Owner's RoundtableBuilding Smarter Tech: Transparency & Trust with Rea HailleyWhat happens when you start a business in an industry you were never planning to enter?In this episode of Owner’s Roundtable, Jeff McLarty sits down with Rea Hailley, co-founder of New Idea Machine, to unpack the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship, building in the tech ecosystem, and why many founders unknowingly walk into expensive software mistakes.Rea’s journey into entrepreneurship was anything but planned. A casual conversation on a dog walk turned into the launch of a software development company built around one mission: helping founders avoid the costly pitfalls of c...
2026-03-1635 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastManaging Six Kids and a Global Brand: Productivity Hacks from Julie Cole
In this high-energy episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley welcomes Julie Cole, the "recovered lawyer" and co-founder of the iconic brand Mabel’s Labels. Julie shares the 22-year journey of her business, which began in a Hamilton basement as a solution for parents tired of losing expensive children’s gear. The conversation explores the advantages of founding a company with friends and family, the importance of proactive communication to avoid "recovery mode" in partnerships, and Julie’s unique approach to fostering innovation by allowing employees the "freedom to nerd out". Julie also provides a candid...
2026-02-2428 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastBeyond the Bedside: Empowering the Modern NursepreneurThis episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Dawn, a veteran registered nurse turned entrepreneur, to tackle the "big, ugly, audacious goal" of fixing the nursing workforce crisis. With over 18 years of experience spanning critical care to clinical education, Dawn reveals a shocking gap in the healthcare ecosystem: the lack of a standardized, portable way for nurses to track their complex skill sets. They dive deep into the transition from clinician to "nursepreneur," the psychological weight of the profession, and how a collaborative digital platform can reduce fear for new grads while...
2026-02-1730 min
Code To CloudUnlocking Startup Success: Avoid Costly Mistakes and Thrive in Tech🎙️Unlock the hidden secrets behind building successful tech startups in Alberta. Discover how a seasoned CTO and a passionate founder are transforming the way founders bring their ideas to life — faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively. If you're a founder, innovator, or tech enthusiast feeling overwhelmed by complexity or unsure where to start, this episode will change how you approach your next big idea.
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When founders rush into app development without understanding costs, security, or real needs, they risk costly failures and missed opportunities. Rhea and Al reveal how a new approach—powered by A...
2026-02-0944 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastSwipe Right on Talent: How AI is Ending the Recruitment "Black Hole"In this insightful episode of Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas (LIBI), host Rea Hailley sits down with Terri Davis, the visionary founder of Profound Talent and oolu. With 25 years of recruitment expertise, Terri shares her journey of transforming a traditionally manual, labor-intensive industry into an agile, AI-driven experience. The conversation dives deep into the rise of the "fractional workforce"—senior-level experts who provide strategic leadership without the full-time price tag—and how Terri’s new platform, oolu, is bridging the gap for scaling companies. Beyond the tech, Terri offers a candid look at the hurdles of being a non-technical founde...
2026-02-0323 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastA 7:00 AM Disaster: How One Major Failure Became a Catalyst for SuccessIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea chats with Daniella Jasper-Okumagba, the founder of The Bridge, a catering concierge service dedicated to making ethnic food everyday food. Daniella is on a mission to save the corporate world from "treacherous charcuterie boards" by connecting mainstream events with authentic multicultural caterers. She opens up about the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, sharing her personal "24-hour rule" for processing setbacks and why she believes that every "No" is just one step closer to a "Yes." Tune in to...
2025-12-2320 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastThe "Small Corner" Mindset: From Dollar Store Habits to the Circular EconomyIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea sits down with the unstoppable Bibiana Cala—an anthropologist, serial entrepreneur, and champion of the Circular Economy Club of Calgary. Bibiana challenges us to look beyond the convenience of modern consumerism and understand how every purchase connects to a global ecosystem. From the unintended consequences of clothing donations to the philosophy of the "donut economy," she offers a compelling roadmap for a more sustainable future. But this conversation goes deeper than just business and sustainability; Bibiana opens up vu...
2025-12-1628 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastThe Healthpreneur Revolution: Bridging the Rural Gap with BioInsight DNAIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this compelling episode host Rea Hailley sits down with Nyasha Katedza, a Medical Laboratory Assistant turned "Healthpreneur" and founder of BioInsight DNA and Blood Services. Driven by the stark reality of rural healthcare, where neighbors drive hundreds of kilometers just for blood work, Nyasha is on a mission to democratize access to care for marginalized communities.
Together, they peel back the curtain on the unglamorous side of entrepreneurship, discussing the relentless workload, the bias against founders...
2025-12-0326 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcast16 Years of Never Giving Up: How Debbie Van Camp Created a Thriving Network for Women EntrepreneursIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea Hailley sits down with Debbie Van Camp, founder of Connected Business Women Network (CBWN), to explore 16 years of building a community where female entrepreneurs come together as collaborators rather than competitors. Debbie shares why women network differently than men and why creating a safe space to ask for help—something many women struggle with—has been central to her mission. From the fulfillment of entrepreneurship to the faces in the room that keep her motivated through challenging times, Debb...
2025-11-2516 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastFrom Hospital Bedside to Boardroom: Co-Designing the Future of Family CareIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this moving and insightful episode of LIBI, host Rea Hailley sits down with Cindy Sim, the CEO and Founder of Team CarePal. Cindy’s journey into tech entrepreneurship wasn’t planned—it was born out of necessity at the bedside of her loved ones. From caring for a premature infant to navigating end-of-life care for grandparents, Cindy experienced the crushing burnout that 1 in 4 Canadians face today. She channeled that struggle into building a "connected care ecosystem" that bridges the ga...
2025-11-1721 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastThe No-Fluff Guide to Hacking Your Emotions and Unlocking SuccessIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". In this powerful episode Rea sits down with Intuitive Healing and Breakthrough Coach Kirstey Jane for a logical, no-fluff guide to mastering your inner world. Kirstey reveals why so many high-achievers get stuck in cycles of self-sabotage, emotional reactions, and chasing approval. She shares her unique, logic-based model for cutting through the "stories" we tell ourselves, helping clients achieve massive breakthroughs in hours, not months. This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to stop being controlled by...
2025-11-1148 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastThe Chocolate Scientist and the Spirit FounderIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea brings you the story of Kristen Carrier, the "Chocolate Scientist" and co-founder of 7 Summit Snacks. Kristen reveals why selling chocolate is surprisingly one of the hardest jobs in the world, even when 80% of people love it. She dives into the "nerdy" science of how high-quality chocolate provides not just physical fuel but an essential emotional lift for life's marathons. But the heart of this episode is the unbelievable, wild origin story behind her brand — a story born from a...
2025-10-2825 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastNavigating the Menopause Maze: Stories and StrategiesIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Jessica Erlendson joins us to discuss her impactful journey as an advocate for women's health, particularly focusing on perimenopause and menopause. Jessica shares her experiences in offering support and creating communities that foster a balanced approach to dealing with this life phase through lifestyle adjustments and medical advice, tailored individually. Amidst her entrepreneurial endeavors, Jessica reveals the personal insights and societal challenges she has confronted being a female entrepreneur. Her dynamic conversation covers boundaries, identity beyond caretaking roles, and...
2025-10-2227 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastEmbracing Entrepreneurial Identity: A Journey of Self-TrustIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea sits down with Sara Stepa to explore the thrilling and often challenging journey of entrepreneurship, especially as it transitions from the nonprofit sector. Sara shares her experiences of building a business from scratch, driven by passion and the need for sustainability in the nonprofit world. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing one's identity in entrepreneurship, overcoming fears of both failure and success, and the ongoing personal growth required to stay authentic and impactful in business. Insights...
2025-10-1430 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastBreaking the Mold: Personalized Marketing Strategies for SuccessIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea has a thoughtful chat with Ina Maria Toncescu, a dedicated digital marketing entrepreneur known for her unique and successful strategies. Ina shares her journey from aspiring psychologist to thriving marketer, emphasizing the importance of personalized marketing that delivers rapid results. She discusses the significance of following one's intuition in business and the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship. Ina’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, relentless dedication, and strategic thinking in creating a business that's no...
2025-10-0731 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastNavigating Challenges: The Realities of EntrepreneurshipIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Roxy Querouz, the founder of Morpho Corporation, shares her dynamic journey as a fractional operations supporter for small businesses. Roxy discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the financial pressures and need for strategic planning. She highlights the transformational impact her services have on clients, freeing up their time to focus on growth and family. Through candid reflections on her personal and professional experiences, Roxy offers essential insights for fellow entrepreneurs, especially women, to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape...
2025-09-3024 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastFrom Pelvic Health to a Runaway Uterus: The Adventures of Rama SwamiIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea chats with Rama Swami, a dedicated pelvic health physiotherapist turned entrepreneur. The conversation delves into Rama's unique journey from a clinician in India to an immigrant entrepreneur in Canada. They explore the surprises and challenges of entrepreneurship, including embracing the unknown and overcoming the urge to quit. Rama shares insightful anecdotes about balancing her professional life with family responsibilities while humorously recalling her "runaway uterus" story. The discussion highlights the significance of women's health issues often overlooked in...
2025-09-1618 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastSuccess Sidekick: Navigating Marketing's Ebbs and FlowsIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Her guest, Dee Higdon, takes us on a journey through her dynamic career as a strategic marketing consultant. Listen in as Dee shares her unique approach to helping businesses maximize their potential by becoming an integral extension of their team. She emphasizes the importance of deep connection with clients and the immense satisfaction derived from witnessing transformative results. Dee also conveys the surprises she brings to her clients with her hands-on involvement and diverse experience in marketing and communications...
2025-09-0912 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastThe Art of Authentic Leadership with Stina BrownIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea Hailley engages with Stina Brown to delve into the intricate relationship between personal growth and organizational success. Stina shares her insights on the necessity of inner development for leaders, emphasizing how one's relationship with themselves sets the tone for their interactions within a team. The conversation highlights the transformative power of diversity and psychological safety within organizations, arguing that true leadership thrives in an environment where differences are embraced and individuals feel secure to express their authentic selves...
2025-09-0244 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastTrust Your Gut: A Female Entrepreneur's Guide to SuccessIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for" and we dive into the world of entrepreneurship with Pam Carteri, co-founder of a boutique recruitment firm, Laviolette and Associates. Pam shares her transformative journey from enduring daily imposter syndrome to finding resilience and purpose in her work. She discusses the importance of intuition in business decisions, the role of strong personal networks, and the unique challenges and rewards that come with being a female entrepreneur. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating the complex landscape of...
2025-08-2619 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastLaw, Entrepreneurship, and Unexpected UnicornsIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for" and chats with lawyer and entrepreneur Megan Chambers. Megan shares her journey in founding Megan Chambers Law, which focuses on wills, estates, corporate, and business law. They explore the challenges and surprises of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of being client-centric and breaking stereotypes. Megan also offers candid advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs and relays a wild story involving a life-sized metal unicorn.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase...
2025-08-1920 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastAccidental Entrepreneurship: Discovering Success Through IntuitionIn this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for" and engages with entrepreneur Thea Rouble. Thea shares her unconventional path to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the intuitive journey that led her to co-found multiple successful companies, including a pipeline construction firm and the innovative software company, Opolee. Through candid discussions, Thea highlights the surprising challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the power of human connection in business. Listeners will gain insights into navigating adversity, the essential role of authenticity in female entrepreneurship, and the unexpected moments that reassure...
2025-08-1215 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastNetworking Without the Hassle: Cat Seier's Guide to Meaningful ConnectionsIn this episode of the LIBI podcast, host Rea Hailley begins her new series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for", the spotlight is on Cat Seier, who shares her remarkable journey from being unexpectedly laid off to becoming an empowering force in the networking and presentation realm. Seier candidly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of human connection amidst the digital age, and the significance of embracing fears and uncertainties—proving that impactful networking is within everyone's reach. The episode wraps with a personal wild story that highlights Seier’s adventurous spirit, reflecting her...
2025-08-0516 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastBreaking Free from the Doom Loop: Creating a Culture of AccountabilityIn this insightful episode of "Leaders, Innovators, and Big Ideas" (LIBI), host Rea Hailley engages with Ron Szekely, a seasoned business coach specializing in helping founder-led companies scale effectively. Ron shares his extensive experience transitioning from corporate juggernauts like L'Oreal to coaching smaller enterprises. The conversation highlights the critical transformation needed in leadership and structure for scaling businesses, the challenges of maintaining accountability, and the exciting yet daunting integration of AI in business practices. Ron offers practical strategies to avoid the pitfalls of stagnation and propel businesses towards sustainable growth and innovation.
Thank you for listening to...
2025-07-2242 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastAl Del Degan Hosts Katia Milrad Segal (KMS Coaching) on the LIBI PodcastHot off the tail of last week's episode with Rea Hailley I have a conversation with Katia, who has been helping people figure out who they are, and what they want to be when they grow up.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
Host: Al Del Degan I have been involved in software development for more than 25 years. I have started companies, lead companies and worked for c...
2023-01-1023 minLeaders, Innovators and Big Ideas - the Rainforest podcastAl Del Degan Hosts Rea Hailley (Growth Strategist) on the LIBI PodcastNot everyone thinks the same way. Rea Hailley sees business from a different lens and is able to provide wisdom and creativity to help small to medium sized business grow and be more successful. More than that, she is a really interesting person to know and has a lot of amazing stories to share when you have a chance to have a chat with her.
Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in...
2023-01-0328 min
ShizdiggityE0001 - Choose To Be HappyOn this inaugural episode of the Shizdiggity podcast you are introduced to the hosts, Al Del Degan and Rea Hailley. We discuss the concept that happiness is a choice and that you can train yourself to be aware of your thoughts and to avoid letting other people and situations affect your mood. Choose Happiness! For more information on this podcast, please visit https://Shizdiggity.com
2018-03-2800 minShizdiggityE0001 - Choose To Be HappyOn this inaugural episode of the Shizdiggity podcast you are introduced to the hosts, Al Del Degan and Rea Hailley. We discuss the concept that happiness is a choice and that you can train yourself to be aware of your thoughts and to avoid letting other people and situations affect your mood. Choose Happiness! For more information on this podcast, please visit https://Shizdiggity.com
2018-03-2834 min