Podcast
Responsible Disruption
Hosted by The Social Impact Lab · EN
Join hosts from The Social Impact Lab on a deep dive into the world of social innovation as we embrace ambiguity and explore how design can be used to create positive social change.
Responsible Disruption is a podcast that explores the intersection of social innovation and design. This podcast aims to bring listeners on a journey of discovery and conversation as the hosts delve into the latest thinking and trends in these areas. From interviews with leading social innovators and designers to in-depth discussions on the design process and its applications, this podcast is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in creating positive change in the world. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, tune in and join the hosts as they explore the power of design to drive social impact.
The Social Impact Lab (The SIL) is a collaboration between J5, a service design studio and United Way of Calgary and Area. The SIL pairs J5’s design methodology and United Way’s connection to the community to cultivate innovation and growth in the social sector in Calgary.
For more information, visit www.thesocialimpactlab.com.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Mina Demian, How Non-Profits are Using AI
Apr 30, 202500:34:26Tap to summarizeWe’re diving into a topic that’s sparking a lot of conversation in organizations and the non-profit sector, what is the role Augmented Intelligence in innovation and grant writing. Our guest is Mina Demian a startup advisor, ecosystem builder, and social innovation strategist with over a decade of experience in fund development, grant writing, and strategic fundraising. Before moving into the startup space, he spent 10 years securing millions in funding for nonprofits, leading development teams, and crafting high-impact grant proposals that fueled social change. Now advising founders through Platform Calgary, Innovate Calgary, and beyond, Mina helps startups navigate funding, partnerships, and growth with a deep understanding of both the nonprofit and tech sectors. An MBA graduate with training in UNESCO’s Futures Literacy Lab, he brings a cross-sector perspective—blending business strategy, technology, and social impact. Show Links: How to Use AI to Write a Grant in a Few Hours (A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners) Perplexity: Perplexity AI ChatGPT: ChatGPT Claude: Claude AI
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Alex Sarian, the Audacity of Relevance: Critical Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture
Mar 11, 202500:38:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Responsible Disruption, we kick off our season by exploring how the arts sector is recovering from a challenging period marked by low attendance and funding struggles. Host Monique Blough is joined by Alex Sarian, to discuss his book, The Audacity of Relevance: Critical Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture. As we witness the impacts of the pandemic on cultural institutions, we’ll dive into the creative ways the industry is bouncing back, highlighting innovative strategies for re-engaging audiences and fostering sustainability. You can find Alex's book here: BOOK — ALEX SARIAN To learn more about Alex: Alex Sarian (@alexsarian) • Instagram photos and videos ALEX SARIAN In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Cutting the Ribbon on Season 3
Mar 11, 202500:10:17Tap to summarizeWelcome to the third season opener of Responsible Disruption! Join our hosts—Monique Blough, Beth Ed, and Melissa Skowron—as they introduce themselves and give a sneak peek into all the interesting conversations in store for this year. In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Season 2 Finale
Dec 11, 202400:23:47Tap to summarizeIn this season finale, all three hosts—James, Monique, and Sydney—come together to reflect on an incredible year of conversations, learning, and growth. Over the past year, the podcast has explored a wide range of topics aimed at fostering innovation and driving positive change, both within organizations and in the broader community. From inspiring guest interviews to practical tools and methodologies, Season 2 has delved into themes such as building resilience through setbacks, fostering creativity, and applying design thinking across various contexts. Through a mix of personal stories, expert insights, and engaging discussions, each episode has offered listeners actionable takeaways for individual growth and strategies to create meaningful social impact. Join James, Monique, and Sydney as they celebrate the moments that made Season 2 memorable. In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Design 101: Deliver
Dec 11, 202400:31:56Tap to summarizeIn the last episode of our design series, Sydney Johnson sits down with Tim Chen, Team Lead at J5 Design and co-founder of local community Service Design YYC, to discuss the Delivery phase of the Double Diamond framework. This critical stage involves transforming developed design solutions into impactful, real-world applications. Tim shares his extensive experience, reflecting on the complexities of launching and implementing design solutions. He provides insights into what it takes to ensure a smooth transition from development to delivery, manage cross-functional collaboration, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within design teams. Topics discussed in this episode. The Double Diamond @servicedesignyyc In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Innovation from Within
Nov 27, 202400:42:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Monique Blough is joined by James Gamage, Director, Innovation and The Social Impact Lab at United Way of Calgary and Area, and Michael Procee, a Calgary-based energy professional at TC Energy, DBA student, innovation sessional instructor at MRU, and founder of the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum on the topic of internal innovation—how organizations can foster creativity and change from within. They dive into the basics of internal innovation, why it’s crucial for growth, and the first steps to building an environment that supports fresh ideas and continuous improvement. The conversation provides practical guidance on getting started with internal innovation, from choosing where to begin to build early momentum with small, manageable projects. Mike and James discuss connecting innovation efforts with larger goals and engaging team members to create a supportive culture. Listeners will gain useful tips for engaging stakeholders, building buy-in, and managing common challenges. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in creating or strengthening a culture of innovation, offering actionable insights that apply across all types of organizations and industries. “An entrepreneur is just a pissed-off Intrapreneur!” Mike Procee Topics discussed in this episode. Calgary Innovation Peer Forum Deloitte Innovation Portfolio Framework In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Digital Innovation in Government
Nov 13, 202400:44:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host James Gamage delves into digital government transformation with guests Fouad Jallouli and Sheldon Bauld, who are instrumental in The Government of Alberta's digital initiatives. They discuss their roles, Alberta's digital service delivery choice, and its implications for other provinces. The conversation explores how the Government of Alberta solves the challenges of balancing digitization and multi-channel end-to-end delivery and the importance of maintaining citizen trust in the face of digital transformation of services. They tackle disruption, equity, and accessibility issues, particularly for marginalized communities, and the role of data-driven decision-making in the justice system. To contact Fouad and Sheldon visit LinkedIn. Fouad Jallouli and Sheldon Bauld In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →From Setbacks to Success
Oct 30, 202400:38:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Sydney Johnson is joined by co-founders Shahr Savizi-Smed and Amanda Ovaici as they take us through the journey of creating Fuckup Nights YYC, a platform dedicated to destigmatizing failure in entrepreneurship. They delve into the origins of their friendship and how it fueled the inception of Fuckup Nights YYC. Through insightful discussions, they explore the mission and its global counterparts, emphasizing that failure is not just a possibility but an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Acknowledging failure is crucial for fostering innovation and risk-taking, as it provides valuable lessons that propel growth. Shahr and Amanda share personal anecdotes from their own entrepreneurial experiences, illustrating how embracing failure has helped them overcome obstacles and ultimately drive success. They also discuss the impact of Fuckup Nights YYC on the entrepreneurial community in Calgary, highlighting its role in fostering connections between aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced professionals. This episode is a powerful reminder that failure, rather than being a setback, can be a stepping stone toward achieving greatness. Topics discussed in this episode. Cafe Alchemist In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Fostering Systemic Innovation
Oct 16, 202400:52:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Responsible Disruption, host Monique Blough is joined by Claire Reid, Chief Impact Officer, and Heather Senecal, Director of Learning and Evaluation, both from United Way of the Greater Capital Region in New York State, USA. Together, they explore the concept of systemic change and its critical role in addressing complex social challenges. The conversation delves into how innovation can drive transformative shifts and how frameworks like the adaptive cycle can help navigate these changes. You will gain insights into the dynamics of systemic change, the importance of resilience and adaptability, and strategies for fostering long-term sustainability. This episode offers a thoughtful discussion on the role of innovation in creating lasting social impact. Topics discussed in this episode. FSG - The Water Systems of Change In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
Transcribe →Design 101: Develop
Oct 2, 202400:39:51Tap to summarizeIn the third installment of the Design101 series, host Sydney Johnson interviews Julie Kuhn, a UX Designer from J5 Design, about the Develop phase of the design process. Julie shares insights on prototyping, gathering feedback, and collaborating with development teams. With a focus on iterative design and problem-solving, she offers practical strategies and personal stories from her work in designing digital experiences. This episode gives listeners a deeper understanding of how ideas take shape and evolve during development. Topics discussed in this episode. Double Diamond In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.
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