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  • Nicole LeBlanc (BBA’00) is a partner with Woven Capital in Tokyo, focusing on investments in mobility, energy, and sustainability that support and accelerate Toyota’s mission to build the safest mobility in the world. Prior to that she was a partner in Denmark with 2150, an urban tech & sustainability fund focused on supporting the growth of sustainable cities. She’s held previous positions as director of investments for Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs in Toronto, and as director at BDC Capital and at the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.

    Nicole is also a founder and investor in Sandpiper.vc, a women-led venture fund based in Atlantic Canada aiming to support women as both founders and investors. She’s a huge proponent of encouraging and supporting women in the venture capital sector, and I’m very excited to talk with her about why that’s so important, as well as why she feels so strongly in investing in technology for our collective future.

    In this episode:

    How Nicole first started in venture capital and the opportunities around the world that led her to becoming an expert in the field

    Her position in Toronto at Sidewalk Labs that hooked her on green cities and urban tech.

    Why corporate companies have growth/venture capital firms.

    How companies can implement sustainability implement solutions in their systems – and why Nicole is excited about startups providing those solutions.

    The role of corporate venture capitalist

    How smaller municipalities can have a great impact on lives and drive change.

    The Copenhagen urban model.

    How engaging everyone in communities is key to finding solutions and capital sources.

    Why there is a low rate of women in venture capital and how more women can break into it.

    How Atlantic Canadian communities can be successful in building smart, sustainable places to live and work, even with fewer resources.

    Links and resources:

    Nicole’s LinkedIN

    Woven Capital

    Sandpiper Ventures

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Dr. Jennifer Woodland (MA’09, PhD’15) is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at UNB’s Saint John campus and an Integrated Health Initiative researcher who teaches within the Bachelor of Health program at UNB. She has a PhD in experimental psychology from UNB, with a focus in multisensory perception. Jen has over 10 years of experience in health research – as a research methodologist for Horizon Health Network and Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Before her academic appointment, she spent 5 years working in the private health sector as the director of Human Health Factors at Canadian Health Solutions where she led a development team toward multidisciplinary medical innovation products. Her research interests are in multidisciplinary health research on medication adherence and combining the use of evidence-based psychological principles to inform the development and improvement of health product usability.

    In this episode:

    An explanation of experimental psychology in multisensory perception

    How research, clinical and technology areas can work together and are critical for healthcare solutions

    A detailed look at what integrated health and integrated health research really means

    The Integrated Health Initiative (IHI) at UNB’s Saint John campus, and the benefits of an intentional health cluster

    How to translate research into meaningful health policy

    Health literacy for health adherence

    Links and resources:

    UNB Integrated Health Initiative

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

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  • Mi’gmaq entrepreneur Victoria LaBillois (BA’91, MBA’04) is the owner of Wejipeg Excavation Inc. and co-owner of Wejuseg Construction Inc, and oversaw the completion of a major wind park in Gaspesie, Quebec, where the companies trained and engaged over 100 Mi’gmaq tradespeople.

    Victoria has served both the First Nation and federal public service, working at the Band, regional, and national levels.  She is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, and represents the National Indigenous Economic Development Board in the development of Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy. In addition to advocating for and facilitating conversations at the highest levels around economic reconciliation, she is all about giving back to her community, serving as a mentor and coach to Indigenous women and helping youth build skills around financial literacy. In 2019 AND 2020, Victoria was honoured by the WXN as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

    In this episode:

    How Victoria went from Arts graduate to owner of a construction and excavation company

    Context around why we need to talk about economic reconciliation for Canada’s Indigenous peoples

    What economic reconciliation practically means

    The process of drafting a National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada and creating a strategy to advance economic reconciliation – and highlights from this important document that guides government, academia and corporate Canada

    The 4 essential ingredients to economic prosperity for Indigenous peoples in Canada

    How all of us can help further economic reconciliation

    Links and resources:

    Victoria’s LinkedIn

    National Indigenous Economic Strategy

    Wejuseg

    UNB story on Victoria

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Social and technology entrepreneur Tosin Ajibola (MEng’20) moved from Nigeria to Canada to earn a Master of Engineering degree in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship from UNB. Out of that hands-on program, he and other newcomer classmates co-developed Welkom-U, an innovative online platform that puts newcomers, immigrants, and international students in touch with the things they need to survive and thrive. As CEO of Welkom-U, Tosin is focused on solving problems through technology AND making a social impact.

    He is a member of the Atlantic Growth Solutions team, and he serves on the board of Venn Innovation, on the board of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and on the advisory board at Social Enterprise World Forum. He also leads the Atlantic Canada Chapter of BlackBoysCode, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the future of young black boys through Computer Science and Technology. And he’s been getting noticed: he was named a Top 30 under 30 Innovator in Atlantic Canada in 2021, a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant in 2022 & Top Youth Immigrant in Canada 2022.

    In this episode:

    Tosin’s personal experience starting a new life in Canada and how that helped inform his startup idea

    The challenges that newcomers to Canada face, and how Tosin and Welkom-U are working to reduce or eliminate those.

    Why retention of immigrants is important to Canada and the Maritime region and what we can do to increase that retention.

    How leveraging technology and entrepreneurship can be used for a larger social purpose – and how that makes all the difference in Canada.

    Links and resources:

    Tosin’s LinkedIn

    Welkom-U

    Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • H. Wade MacLauchlan (LLB’81) is a well-known Canadian legal expert, academic, university administrator, politician and community leader. As premier of Prince Edward Island from 2015-19, he led an expansion and diversification of PEI's economy and the growth and rejuvenation of the province's population, while contributing to historic, regional initiatives in immigration, infrastructure and economic growth. Prior to politics, MacLauchlan was the longest-serving president of the University of Prince Edward Island from 1999-2011, and dean of law at the University of New Brunswick from 1991-1996.

    In this episode:

    How MacLauchlan got into academia and then politics

    Insights into Atlantic Canadian policy on immigration and growth

    The housing crisis and the solutions needed now

    How higher education and university can do the most they can in a time of growth

    The role of universities with respect to growth and immigration

    Links and resources:

    Wade MacLauchlan

    Announcement of MacLauchlan as UNB Chancellor

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Mohamed Bagha (BAMHT'05, MIDST'13) is the managing director of the Saint John Newcomers Centre and chair of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Kenya, he arrived in Saint John in the early 2000s to complete his post-secondary education at UNB and has been part of the newcomer support scene in the Port City for over a decade.

    Mohamed is interested in helping grow and strengthen the community and is passionate about helping newcomers be part of that growth. He’s worked on initiatives to help newcomers settle more easily in their new home, and to help everyone see the value of community-building work to grow the services available to newcomers. Join us for a conversation about community-building and the role that both newcomers and long-time community members have in working together.

    In this episode:

    What experiential learning programs do to help students, especially newcomers, build a network and become engaged in their community.

    Why building a network is so important for engagement and success.

    The important work of the Saint John Newcomers Centre – to both newcomers and the community.

    Why Mohamed believes Atlantic Canadian cities are the best places to live.

    His optimism for growth for the future, and why newcomers are central to that growth.

    How to employ DEI to help overcome challenges for employers recruiting a talented workforce.

    How we can create opportunities to make the city the best place to do business.

    Links and resources:

    Saint John Newcomers Centre

    Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce

    Mohamed’s LinkedIn profile

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Barbara Wasson (BScCS’82) is the director for SLATE - The Science of Learning and Technology, the Norwegian national centre for learning analytics. She is one of the founders of Kaleidoscope, a European Network of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning and has been the principal researcher on numerous Norwegian and international projects. She is also member of the Norwegian Ministry of Education’s Expert group on Learning Analytics and the Council of Europe Expert Group on AI in Education.

    Barbara is passionate about learning analytics, AI and education, learning games, e-assessment, teacher inquiry, and data literacy. Host Katie Davey chats with her about the future of data and technology in learning design.

    In this episode:

    Barbara’s experience growing up around computers at UNB and how she got into learning analytics and AI

    Policy around learning analytics and AI in the classroom and how privacy and ethics policy is crucial.

    How much data can we use to aid in learning without harming children’s privacy?

    The astounding amount of important data all around us, and the dilemmas this causes for teaching and learning in schools.

    The importance of data literacy and AI and how to prepare people for how AI will be a part of daily life soon.

    How to learn with AI, and empowering students at an early age to use technology and AI.

    Who decides what knowledge is? How does that affect creativity and innovation?

    Barbara’s thoughts on future trends in technology in learning.

    Links and resources:

    The story of the Wasson family and computer science at UNB

    University of Bergen

    AI and Education paper by Barbara Wasson

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Sara Taaffe is a senior project manager with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership in London, England. After graduating with a leadership degree from UNB’s Renaissance College, Sara began applying her passion for social innovation in Atlantic Canada’s technology sector, but after four years began to feel disillusioned with the push for economic growth without putting value on sustainability, ethics, local business and consumer experience. She disconnected off-grid and began to understand the significant agency that individuals hold in creating positive changes through our day-to-day decisions. Indeed, the compounding effect of these decisions has tremendous influence on that of the wider economy. Now working in nature-related finance at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, she explores the intersection of economic progress and sustainability to better understand how to synergize the two.

    In this episode:

    Sara’s experience diverting from the corporate world to go off-grid for three years.

    What are the roles of consumers vs corporations and governments and other stakeholders in driving the change that’s needed for a sustainable economy?

    What nature-related finance means.

    How nature and climate are showing up as macroeconomic risks with various financial institutions.

    What consumers and citizens CAN do to help and why Sara is optimistic for our future.

    Links and resources:

    Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

    UNB Renaissance College

    London School of Economics

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Mike Corey (BSc’08) is a biology graduate turned travel host who never turns down an adventure. His curiosity has sent him searching out cultures, creatures, and locations that most people avoid – with the aim of facing – and even chasing – fear. This intense passion has led him to grow his YouTube Channel “Fearless & Far” to over 2M subscribers, receive 2 Emmy nominations for his Adventure Travel TV program "Uncharted Adventure", and an Ambie nomination for his podcast "Against the Odds".

    Mike’s career began after receiving his Bachelor of Science from UNB, then backpacking the world for five years volunteering as a research assistant for scientists studying ocean conservation. Bringing a camera along for these trips allowed him to capture the material he needed to win several international travel video competitions and begin his YouTube Channel.

    Now a top travel influencer, Mike enjoys teaching others how to face their fears to become happier.

    In this episode:

    The adventure that gave Mike the travel bug and what made him realize the world is gentler than we think.

    How his obsession with animals and nature turned into a passion for people.

    Lessons he’s learned from people he’s met in his exotic travels.

    Why humans need a challenge and purpose to thrive.

    What fearlessness and conquering fear actually means.

    The quiet fears that sneak up on you.

    He says “fear is the compass” is his life and directs him in his actions.

    How everyone can start to face their fears.

    The importance of stories – and how they’re told everywhere.

    Where to listen:

    Spotify 

    Apple Podcasts

    Libsyn

    Google Podcasts 

    Links and resources:

    Fearless and Far

    Mike’s YouTube channel

    Mike’s Instagram

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • Dr. Teresa Fowler (MEd’11) is a researcher who is diving into the sexism, misogyny and hypermasculinity of hockey in Canada and who is now working directly with Hockey Canada to try to correct the enduring problems. She is an assistant professor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the faculty of education. Her research focuses on critical white masculinities and the implications of masculinity on men's mental health in hockey culture as well as anti-colonial pedagogic approaches to teacher education. She received her Master of Education from UNB and PhD from the University of Calgary, and she has over 15 years of professional experience in K-12 education in the areas of guidance and counselling, mental health services, and Indigenous education. Teresa is a member of Scholars Against Abuse in Canadian Sport that have partnered with Center for Children’s Rights to push for a judicial inquiry into the sport.

    In this episode:

    Teresa’s family background and how she began noticing indifferences in the culture of young men in hockey

    What is causing harm to young hockey players' identities and mental health

    Shifting the culture of hockey away from aggression and back to skills and competition.

    How silence is hard to break.

    Our research shows that sexisim in hockey culture is as normal as the air they breathe.

    Shocking examples of sexism grooming in young hockey culture in Canada.

    Her work with Hockey Canada to help them make the right changes.

    How Hockey Canada can take the lead and make a shift nationwide and why that’s important for all sports.

    Harassment experienced for doing this kind of work.

    How white supremacy is tied to misogyny in hockey in Canada.

    The introduction of white male love into men’s hockey in the country.

    How to begin making positive changes in toxic masculine culture.

    How men’s equality is important in the conversation.

    The status of an inquiry in sport in Canada, and Teresa’s recommendation at the inquiry to move sport away from Heritage Canada into Health.

    Links and resources:

    Article on Dr. Fowler’s research

    Info from the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC) on Hockey Canada

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie (BA’91) is a trailblazer for Indigenous rights: she’s the former Special Advisor for Indigenous Issues to the UN, former Chief of Staff to then Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, and past Chief of Staff to the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations. She also served as Director of Aboriginal Participation and Chief of Protocol for the Four Host First Nations during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Lea is a member of the Wəlastəkwey Nation at Tobique, New Brunswick and holds a BA in Language and Linguistics UNB - and since then has gained extensive experience in international relations focused on the human rights of Indigenous Peoples. In 2021 she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

    In this episode:

    -Lea’s family background and family role models – and how she learned that advocacy can make a difference

    -Lea’s first roles and how she learned how the system worked

    -Her experience on and off for many years at the Assembly of First Nations, including Chief of Staff at age 27.

    -Her experience advocating at the United Nations.

    -What led to becoming a seasoned leader and ready to serve with Jody Wilson-Raybould in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General’s office, and her experience with that chance to make change.

    -Her principles of justice, integrity and truth telling and how they didn’t always mesh with the realities of politics

    -Her work today in human rights, governance and reconciliation

    -The Indigenous rights advancements that are giving her hope

    -Ideas for being an ally moving forward and how to further the Calls to Action

    -What Lea is optimistic about for the future

    Links and resources:

    Lea’s LinkedIn

    Thanks to:

    -Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    -Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    -Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Mark Leger (MA’11) was editor of Huddle, the popular Maritime online business news publication, from 2017 to early 2023, and was also director of news content for parent company Acadia Broadcasting, which owns and operates 15 radio stations in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. A journalist for more than 25 years, Mark began his career as a reporter and editor with the Telegraph-Journal and went on to work for CBC Radio as a reporter and producer. An entrepreneur at heart, he has been involved in three start-up media companies in New Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Ryerson University journalism program and has a master’s in political science from UNB Saint John.

    In this episode:

    Mark’s path to journalism and startups – and his willingness to take risks

    The good news approach to Huddle and why people crave positive stories that inspire action

    The disappearance of local media and its effect on communities

    Ideas on solutions for local journalism in the future

    Thoughts on the CBC vs private media and shaky business models

    Figuring out how to fund local journalism innovation for communities – and the idea of non-profit models

    Podcasts as one part of the solution

    Journalism as a core pillar of democracy

    Links and resources:

    Huddle

    Mark’s LinkedIn

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Balarama Holness (MEd’16) is a former CFL athlete turned social entrepreneur, community organizer and anti-racism activist. A native of Montreal, he played professional football for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won the Grey Cup in 2010. He’s also well educated, having earned a Master’s in Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor from McGill University. In 2018, Balarama gained political notoriety by gaining support to force Montreal's municipal government to launch a public inquiry into systemic racism and discrimination in the city. In 2021, Balarama announced his run for Mayor of Montreal under a new, community-led political party, Movement Montreal. Now, he’s published a book that recounts his journey from an ashram in West Virginia to becoming a leader in Montreal committed to reshaping society as we know it.

    In this episode:

    His unusual upbringing and how he felt marginalized upon returning to Montreal.

    How he got into football and how sports got him back on track.

    Why his advanced education was his way to empower himself and his needs in society.

    The step into politics and activism, and ideas for how citizens can press for true democracy and open access.

    The tensions between Quebec and “Rest of Canada” (and Montreal) over discriminatory laws.

    How he and others are pressing forward to eradicate racism in Montreal and beyond.

    Links and resources:

    Balarama Holness website

    His book, Eyes on the Horizon: My Journey Toward Justice

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Ambassador Deborah Lyons (BA’71, DLitt'15) is a diplomat with 21 years of professional experience in political affairs, international cooperation and economic development. Her most recent assignment was as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, having served prior to that as Ambassador of Canada to Israel and before that as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Ms. Lyons has held several senior positions with Canada’s Department of Global Affairs, including as Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy and Planning and Chief Strategist, and directorships covering commercial relations, international finance and technology. She has also worked with Canada’s Department of Natural Resources and Privy Council Office and owned and managed an environmental consulting firm. Ms. Lyons is from Miramichi, New Brunswick and graduated from UNB in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

    In this episode:

    Deborah’s account of being in Afghanistan during an extremely challenging transition period of the American withdrawal of troops and takeover by the Taliban.

    Why she’s such a fan of the United Nations and why she wanted to be in Afghanistan at that time.

    The progress she saw in the country prior to the Taliban takeover and her feelings on the state of women in Afghanistan today.

    Her insights on the future for women in Afghanistan, and on engaging and educating women for global societal stability.

    What Canada and Canadians can and should do to help support women in Afghanistan.

    Deborah’s two realities - that formed who she is.

    Her thoughts on next steps in her career and role in diffusing the growth of divisive hate speech and discourse in Canada and around the world.

    Her advice on how we move forward in a changing world.

    Links and resources:

    UN Announcement

    UN Farewell statement

    Deborah’s Twitter

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite.

  • John Leroux (PhD’20) is an architect, art historian and currently Manager of Collections and Exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick. John has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of art history, architecture, visual art, curation, and education. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, an M.A. in Art History from Concordia University, and a PhD in History from UNB. He has worked at award-winning architecture firms in Toronto, Atlanta, Saint John, and his hometown of Fredericton – and has taught at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the University of New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University. He’s also won many awards for architectural and public art projects throughout Canada. A passionate advocate for the arts and for architectural conservancy, John has authored 16 books on architecture and visual culture, including Building New Brunswick: An Architectural History and Building a University: The Architecture of UNB.

    In this episode:

    The magnificent historical architecture of New Brunswick and the not-so-magnificent modern architecture of New Brunswick. What it means to love a place and steward it Why the places that are popular are because of the quality of the environment John’s favourite building in New Brunswick The unique nature of wooden architecture in the Maritimes John’s favourite buildings on UNB’s campuses and why they’re significant The history behind the built environments of the Saint John and Fredericton campuses John’s favourite artwork in Fredericton – and it’s on the UNB campus! His thoughts on the expansion of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery

    Links and resources:

    John’s website

    Beaverbrook Art Gallery

    Building a University: The Architecture of UNB

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Krista Jones (BScEE'88) has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses for over 30 years. She leverages her deep entrepreneurial and leadership experience to advise founders, inspire teams and create programs to scale Canada’s most innovative companies. Currently Senior VP of Ventures Services at MaRS Discovery District, she recently founded MaRS Momentum, an exclusive program that supports the executives of high-growth companies and accelerates their journey to $100 million in revenue. Krista is relied on as thought leader in the “Future of Work” by organizations from all around the world. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor and expert problem solver, she has a unique combination of expertise and is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, business models and innovation practices.

    In this episode:

    How Krista gained the confidence to go big on projects and ideas. Going deep in different areas of MaRS and supporting entrepreneurs. The future of jobs and how people can use tech while keeping the focus on people. How automation – or rather augmentation - plays a role in the evolution of jobs. Why companies are making short-term decisions right now. Krista dives into the Momentum program to help solve Canada’s productivity gap. How to close the innovation loop. Why Canada should embrace the success metrics of good, better, best. The challenges that persist in Canada when it comes to joining the global competition. What Krista is excited about for the future.

    Links and resources:

    MaRS Discovery

    Krista’s LinkedIn

    UNB article on Krista and the future of work

    Krista’s article in The Record

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Donald Savoie (MA’72) holds the Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance at the Université de Moncton, as well as the Clément-Cormier Research Chair in Economic Development. Over his career, he has served as an advisor to federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, the private sector, independent associations, OECD, the World Bank and the United Nations. In 1986, at the request of the Canadian prime minister, he undertook a review of federal government regional development efforts in Atlantic Canada and prepared a report that led to the establishment of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Professor Savoie has published numerous books on public policy, public administration and federalism and has written articles that have appeared in leading national and international peer-reviewed journals in Canada, the U.K., India and the United States.

    In this episode:

    The risk of centralization of power among various Western governments How lack of regional ministers has contributed to a public lack of trust in the government The breakdown of accountability What government is good at How Donald became such a prolific researcher and writer Why he’s a “Maritime nationalist”

    Links and resources:

    Donald J. Savoie Institute

    Publications

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Emilie Chiasson (BPHIL’15) is a design and innovation expert who’s worked with government and NGO organizations to co-create meaningful solutions to persistent problems in developing countries and regions. After graduating from UNB’s Renaissance College, she completed a Master's in Global Affairs from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and since then has gained field experience working with vulnerable populations on the traditional unceded territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) peoples as well as with communities in Africa, Asia and Europe. Emilie has worked hard to support marginalized groups and bring to light their lived experiences through advocacy and programming and has navigated complex policy and humanitarian issues. She is currently a Social Science & Social Behaviour Change Fellow with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, stationed in Kampala, Uganda.

    In this episode:

    Emilie’s non-linear path from UNB to living on five different continents What human-centered design means in the field Innovative interventions Emilie’s been working on Complex solutions to complex conflicts and problems Gender education and equality efforts in Uganda – and why it’s so important Prioritizing health and wellness and a social network to maintain momentum

    Links and resources:

    Emilie’s LinkedIn

    UNB’s Renaissance College

    Aga Khan Foundation Canada

    AKF Gender Equality Policy

    Thanks to:

    Ouralumni host, Katie Davey

    Music by alumni artist,Beats of Burden

    Our alumniAffinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife


    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite

  • Josh O'Kane (BSc/BA ‘09) is a reporter with The Globe and Mail who has covered the technology sector for much of the past five years. His coverage focuses on the relationships between tech companies and human beings, governments, economies, and each other. His latest book, Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy, investigates the failed effort by Google sister company Sidewalk Labs to build a future-focused neighbourhood in Toronto, the many institutions that company won over, and the consequences of Big Tech’s push into the physical world. Josh has extensively reported from Berlin, Halifax, Fredericton and Saint John, and is based in Toronto. He got his start on the UNB campuses – he has a science and arts degree from UNB, wrote for the UNBSJ student paper, The Baron, and was editor of The Brunswickan on the Fredericton campus.

  • Mitch Cobb (BA’02) is co-owner and CEO of Upstreet Craft Brewery, on Prince Edward Island. But Upstreet isn’t just a brewery (even though it's grown to become a major player in the Atlantic Canada brewing industry), it’s a Certified B Corp, intent on doing business differently and making a positive impact in their community. Mitch has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine. He graduated from UNB with an Arts degree in Anthropology and International Development and says that a lightbulb went off for him when he realized that community development and business are not on the opposite sides of the spectrum.

    In this episode:

    The origin story for Upstreet The meaning behind being a certified B Corp and why it’s important Why Mitch is drawn to purpose-driven entrepreneurship The passion and technology behind Upstreet reducing its carbon footprint An honest conversation around corporate greed and a shift in Millennial and Gen Z consumers How to find balance as an entrepreneur Leaning into shifts in society, including creating a non-alcoholic craft beer

    Links and resources:

    Upstreet Craft Brewing Beer Collection: https://upstreet.ca/beer/ Libra Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Collection: https://drinklibra.ca/collections/all Partnership with Local Musicians - Serena Ryder Video - Libra’s Balance Ambassador: https://drinklibra.ca/pages/our-story B Corporation: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ Bullfrog Power Utilized in Taproom: https://bullfrogpower.com/

    Thanks to:

    Our alumni hosts, the AAA Team: Arsham, Arash and Armin Ahmadi https://www.unb.ca/alumni/alumni-news/unb-alumni-podcast.html

    Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/beats-of-burden/1451387846

    Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance, Manulife, and MBNA Mastercard: https://www.unb.ca/alumni/benefitsandservices/index.html

    To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit ourwebsite