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On this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, we’re joined by Rocco Rossi, a Canadian business leader and author whose career has moved through business, politics, public policy, and the not-for-profit world. Rocco joins us to talk about the choices and opportunities that have shaped his career, what years of leading different organizations have taught him about people and community, and what he thinks Canadian leaders and entrepreneurs need to be thinking about today. We also get into his many walks along the Camino de Santiago and how something that began as a personal experience eventually became the inspiration for his new book, Finding Grace. From boardrooms and campaigns to long days spent walking the Camino, Rocco has collected plenty of stories along the way. This conversation is about what those experiences have taught him and why he keeps looking for the next challenge.

In this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, Ken Tencer speaks with Janice Gassam Asare about the widening gap between technological capability and cultural readiness. AI is advancing quickly. Organizational culture, governance structures, and equity frameworks often are not. Janice explains why leaders must critically examine how emerging technologies can reinforce existing inequalities, why inclusive leadership requires structural commitment, and how organizations can avoid outsourcing ethical judgment to algorithms. This is a grounded and practical discussion about leadership accountability in the age of AI. Rather than framing innovation as inherently positive, the conversation invites leaders to slow down, assess impact, and build systems that reflect intentional values. Brought to you by Say Hi to the Future. Listen now and join the conversation.

Creativity is not a nice-to-have. It’s becoming one of the most valuable capabilities in business, leadership, and life. On this episode of Say Hi to the Future, Ken Tencer welcomes Fredrik Härén, an internationally known voice on creativity and ideas, for a conversation that encourages listeners to rethink how innovation actually happens. This episode isn’t about shortcuts or surface-level inspiration. It’s about the deeper mindset shifts required to think differently in complex, fast-moving environments. Whether you’re leading a team, building something new, or simply trying to stay adaptable in a changing world, this episode offers perspective on why curiosity, openness, and creative thinking are skills worth cultivating intentionally. Listen in for a reflective and energizing discussion on the role of human ingenuity in shaping what comes next.

What if engagement isn’t something you demand, but something you design? In this episode, Diondra Filicetti joins Say Hi to the Future: Ingenious Thinkers to explore the quieter, often overlooked elements that shape strong leadership and meaningful work. Her perspective centers on clarity, connection, and the role intention plays in how people learn, collaborate, and grow within organizations. Rather than chasing trends or surface-level solutions, this conversation encourages a deeper look at how leaders influence energy, culture, and momentum simply through how they show up. It’s a thoughtful listen for anyone interested in building workplaces, and careers, rooted in purpose rather than pressure.

We often assume that if a strategy is smart enough, it will succeed. But experience tells us otherwise. In this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, Hilton Barbour joins the conversation to explore why strategy so often breaks down after it leaves the planning phase. This episode takes a wider view of strategy as something shaped by people, culture, and context rather than documents and declarations. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level advice, this conversation encourages listeners to rethink how organizations approach foresight, decision-making, and long-term alignment. It speaks to the realities of uncertainty and the limits of control in complex environments. Whether you lead teams, advise organizations, or simply think deeply about how ideas turn into action, this episode offers a thoughtful pause and a new lens on what it means to plan for the future. 🎧 When Strategy Breaks Down: Hilton Barbour on the Missing Role of CultureHosted by Ken Tencer

Elizabeth MacBride and Seth Levine join us for a conversation that reaches far beyond the pages of Capital Evolution. Their work explores how economic renewal is unfolding at the ground level, through entrepreneurs, community builders, and innovators who often go unseen in traditional narratives. What makes their perspective powerful is its grounding in real experiences. They highlight the resilience of individuals working outside major hubs, the creativity that emerges from constraint, and the importance of recognizing the diverse engines that keep an economy alive. Their insights invite us to consider the possibility that the future of entrepreneurship will be more distributed, more human-centered, and more deeply connected to place. This episode offers space to reflect on where opportunity comes from, who fuels it, and how each of us plays a role in shaping the next chapter of economic evolution. A meaningful, forward-looking listen for anyone curious about the changing foundations of innovation and the human stories behind economic change.

In this episode of Say Hi to the Future, host Ken Tencer welcomes Carey-Ann Oestreicher, Executive Coach and CEO of Potential Unlimited, for a conversation about leadership, purpose, and the power of personal awareness. This is not a typical conversation about performance or productivity, it’s a reflection on what it truly means to lead from a place of authenticity. Carey-Ann has built a career around helping leaders see beyond metrics and titles to rediscover the human element that fuels growth. Her work invites people to look inward, to question what drives them, what connects them, and how they can bring more intention into their everyday decisions. At its core, this episode is about growth, not the kind that shows up on a balance sheet, but the kind that shapes who we are. It’s about the moments that remind us to pause, to listen, and to lead with empathy. Carey-Ann reminds us that leadership begins long before we step into a boardroom. It begins with understanding ourselves, acknowledging our limits, and choosing to move forward with purpose. In a world that often values speed and certainty, this conversation offers stillness and reflection. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about having the courage to ask better questions.

In this episode of Say Hi to the Future, host Ken Tencer welcomes Jeevak Badve, Chief Growth Officer at Sundberg-Ferar and a leading voice in global innovation, creativity, and business transformation. Jeevak brings a rare combination of technical expertise, cultural curiosity, and human-centered thinking. With experience spanning continents and industries, he has spent his career helping organizations uncover the deeper “why” behind the things they create — and translating that understanding into meaningful progress. This conversation goes beyond buzzwords. It explores what it truly means to think forward, to build systems and products that reflect who we are, and to cultivate a mindset where innovation serves both people and purpose.

Empathy. Innovation. Humanity. Three words that define the kind of leadership shaping the future of every industry, especially healthcare. In this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, host Ken Tencer speaks with Dr. Jane Speight, a leader who reminds us that progress is never just about technology or policy, it’s about people. Her work is a testament to how understanding human experience can drive change that lasts, not just within systems, but in lives. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on how we define “care,” and how empathy and evidence can coexist to create a more balanced, sustainable approach to innovation. It’s about slowing down to ask better questions, about what matters most and who we’re designing for. 🎙️ Tune in to be inspired by the thinkers who remind us that the future starts with compassion.

Farrell Calabrese believes that sustainability is no longer a department — it’s a mindset that belongs at the very centre of strategy. As the Founder of FMC Impact, she’s spent her career helping leaders design businesses that grow through purpose, not around it. In this episode, Farrell shares how systems thinking and human-centred leadership can help organizations move beyond performative sustainability and build cultures that create lasting value — for people, for the planet, and for profit. Her insights challenge conventional notions of growth and remind us that when values and business align, real transformation begins.

John McCabe, Senior Design Manager for Watsonx at IBM, joins Ingenious Thinkers for a conversation on leadership, design, and the future of AI. John shares how his success has come from looking at problems differently than the rest of the market — blending creativity, technology, and human-centered design to create transformative experiences. Discover how he leads global teams, pushes boundaries in design, and redefines what’s possible in the world of artificial intelligence.

Jeff York, CEO of Altea Active, joins Ingenious Thinkers for an in-depth conversation on what it takes to build one of Canada’s most dynamic wellness brands. From his background in economics at Princeton to leading the launch of AVANT Yorkville, Jeff shares how Altea Active is creating communities where people feel supported, motivated, and inspired to thrive. This episode explores leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of wellness in modern life.

On this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, we’re joined by Nouhaila Chekouli, an inspiring leader and the founder of Scale Without Borders. Nouhaila’s work has become a lifeline for immigrant and international student entrepreneurs who want to build careers and companies in Canada’s fast-moving startup and tech space. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and vision. Coming to Canada as an international student herself, Nouhaila experienced firsthand the barriers that newcomers often face, from limited access to networks and funding to navigating cultural and professional differences. Instead of letting those challenges hold her back, she transformed them into motivation to help others. Today, her platform, Scale Without Borders, connects thousands of immigrants and students with the tools, mentors, and opportunities they need to succeed. In our conversation, Nouhaila talks about: The lessons she learned while transitioning from student to entrepreneur. The gaps in the startup ecosystem and how she’s working to close them. The role of diversity and inclusion in building stronger, more innovative companies. How immigrants can transform obstacles into stepping stones for growth. This episode is about more than entrepreneurship — it’s about breaking barriers, building communities, and believing in the power of fresh perspectives. If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that borders don’t have to define your potential, this is the episode for you. Follow Ingenious Thinkers for more conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of business, technology, and society.

In this episode of Ingenious Thinkers, host Ken Tencer sits down with Jason Finucan, founder of StigmaZero, to explore how we can move beyond outdated stereotypes and reshape the way society approaches mental health. Jason shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind his work, and why breaking down stigma is essential for building healthier workplaces and communities. Together, they discuss practical strategies for fostering open conversations, creating inclusive cultures, and redefining mental health as a source of strength rather than silence.

Looking back on this year, we’re grateful for every inspiring conversation, every story shared, and every guest who brought their unique perspective to the table. Your voices have shaped Ingenious Thinkers into what it is today. Thank you for being part of this community — we can’t wait to bring you even more brilliant minds and game-changing ideas in 2026.