BCA Podcasts

Hosted by Business Council of Alberta

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170

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Jun 2026

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About the show

C-Suite Unplugged: Real leaders. Real stories. C-Suite Unplugged features Alberta's top business leaders sharing how they got to the top, what drives them, and the personal experiences that shaped their career paths. Go beyond the boardroom to get an inside look at the people behind the title and what it really means to lead. The Brief: What can business, government, and Albertans do—together—to make life better? The Brief explores exactly that question through examining the biggest issues impacting life in this province. From economic trends and policy shifts to social challenges and community well-being, each episode offers clear analysis and fresh insight to help you stay informed. New episodes drop every other Tuesday.

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June 3, 2026Episode 1581 hr 4 min

C-Suite Unplugged: Cory Janssen, Co-Founder & CEO of AltaML

In this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA president Adam Legge sits down with Cory Janssen, Co-Founder and CEO of AltaML, for a conversation on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and Alberta's opportunity in the emerging AI economy. Born and raised in Edmonton, Cory shares the story behind his entrepreneurial journey, from launching Investopedia as a university student to building AltaML into one of Canada's leading applied AI companies. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons he's learned about leadership, investing, risk-taking, and building businesses that create long-term value. Tune in for a discussion that cuts through the hype surrounding AI to unpack how organizations can move from experimentation to real-world impact. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

February 18, 2026Episode 15751 min

C-Suite Unplugged: François Poirier, President and CEO of TC Energy

In this timely episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA president Adam Legge is joined by François Poirier, President and CEO of TC Energy, for a conversation on leadership, competitiveness, and the evolving energy landscape across North America. As leader of a company that sits at the centre of major cross-border energy systems shaped by continental trade, François brings a unique perspective to the discussion. He reflects on his leadership journey, TC Energy's evolution, and the responsibilities that come with building, financing, and operating large-scale energy infrastructure. Together, Adam and François explore geopolitics, regulatory environments, and what Canada must do to remain competitive in the global race for investment. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

February 3, 2026Episode 15650 min

C-Suite Unplugged: Mark Maki, CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation

BCA president Adam Legge is joined by Mark Maki, CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation, for a candid conversation on leadership, infrastructure, and the future of Canada's energy sector. Mark reflects on his path to the CEO role and what it takes to lead one of the country's most consequential infrastructure projects — the Trans Mountain Expansion Project —at a moment when Canada's economic competitiveness and global standing are under increasing scrutiny. Together, Adam and Mark explore the realities of leading at scale, the responsibility that comes with operating nationally significant infrastructure, and why energy systems matter not just to Alberta, but to Canada's broader economic performance. Listen for insights on leadership, accountability, and a grounded view of where Canada's energy sector is headed. Note to listeners: This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025, prior to recent developments involving the United States and Venezuela. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

December 2, 2025Episode 15543 min

C-Suite Unplugged: Karen Brookman, President & CEO of WCD

BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Karen Brookman, President and CEO of WCD, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged. WCD has been part of Alberta's business landscape for more than 70 years. In this episode, Adam sits down with Karen Brookman to talk about the company's evolution, the values that have shaped its growth, and what it means to steward a multigenerational family business. Karen shares how she approached taking the helm at WCD and how she continues to build a culture rooted in innovation, service, and community. She also reflects on the mentors who guided her— including her father, George Brookman— and the lessons that inform her leadership today. This conversation offers a thoughtful, grounded look at leading a legacy company forward, supporting Alberta's community, and preparing for the opportunities ahead. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

November 25, 2025Episode 15452 min

The Brief: Inside Washington with Jonathan Martin

In this episode of The Brief, guest host Adam Legge sits down with Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist with POLITICO, for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping U.S. politics today and what they mean for Canada. Drawing on years of firsthand reporting from around Washington, D.C., and inside the Oval Office, Jonathan unpacks how President Donald Trump approaches decision-making, how the dynamics of modern politics have shifted in the age of social media, and what Canada should keep top of mind as it navigates this environment. He also offers a candid assessment of where Canada has leverage—from highlighting tangible, near-term wins that resonate with the president, to positioning our natural resources as indispensable to North American security, Jonathan outlines how Canada can engage with the Trump 2.0 administration in ways that actually move the needle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J

November 18, 2025Episode 15351 min

C-Suite Unplugged: Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO of Black Diamond Group

BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Trevor Haynes, Chairman and CEO of Black Diamond Group, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged. Black Diamond Group is one of North America's leading providers of modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. As Chairman and CEO, Trevor offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead a company that builds the spaces where people live, learn, and work—including what a typical day looks like in his role and how he approaches decision-making at scale. He also reflects on the journey that led him here, from a childhood spent moving across Canada to earning his first paycheque at 13, sharing the early lessons that shaped his resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial drive. Together, Adam and Trevor explore what it takes to build and sustain a company through change, the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation, and the leadership insights gained from decades in Alberta's business community. This episode offers a grounded and optimistic look at what it means to build something lasting—and to leave things better than you found them. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

October 7, 2025Episode 15243 min

C-Suite Unplugged: Cathy Orr, President & CEO of RGO Products

BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Cathy Orr, President and CEO of RGO Products, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged. Cathy shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply woven into Calgary's business community to leading RGO. She reflects on her early career, pivotal moments, and the lessons passed down from her father, Ross Glen, a titan of Calgary business, philanthropy, and community. Adam and Cathy dive into the evolution of RGO, from a private, family–owned company in Calgary incorporated in 1966 with roots selling typewriters, to a modern leader in creating integrated, innovative environments across Alberta. Cathy opens up about RGO's values, its commitment to giving back, and what it means to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. Together, they explore the future of workplaces, how the work-from-home movement is reshaping offices, and why well-designed spaces matter in business, education, and healthcare. This episode takes a thoughtful look at legacy, leadership, and the future of work. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0

September 23, 2025Episode 15110 min

The Brief: What's brewing behind coffee prices

Have you noticed that your cup of coffee costs more than usual? A daily cup of joe may become the most bitter expense in Canadian budgets. Canadians may need an extra shot of caffeine just to stomach the price of their morning brew. Coffee prices have spiked 25% since January, the steepest jump since the mid-1990s. For years, coffee drinkers enjoyed a sweet deal: incomes rose faster than coffee costs, tea nearly tripled, alcohol quintupled, but coffee stayed steady. Now, a whirlwind of tariffs has percolated through the supply chain, leaving Canadian consumers to pick up the tab. Host Scott Crockatt and BCA's Director of Policy & Economics Alicia Planincic break it all down on this episode of The Brief. --------------------- About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J

September 18, 20251 min

Welcome to BCA Podcasts

Welcome to BCA Podcasts, your front-row seat to the conversations shaping Alberta's future, produced by the Business Council of Alberta. On C-Suite Unplugged, we're demystifying the role of CEO. Alberta's top business leaders share their journey to the top, what drives them, and their unique vantage point on their business and industry. C-Suite Unplugged goes beyond the boardroom to get an inside look at the people behind the title. On The Brief, we take you inside the issues that matter most. From economic analysis to breaking down government policy, The Brief brings clarity, context, and fresh insight focused on Alberta that you won't hear anywhere else. Two shows. One goal: a more prosperous Alberta and a better life for everyone who calls it home. Follow BCA Podcasts now, wherever you get your podcasts.

September 9, 2025Episode 15054 min

The Brief: Rethinking Local Leadership in Alberta

How do we build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities across Alberta? In this special episode of The Brief, guest host Lily Dupuis sits down with Murray Cunningham, President & CEO of Scott Builders, and Michael (Mike) Brown, President & CEO of Trico Homes. Together, Murray and Mike co-chair the Business Council of Alberta's Task Force on Business Priorities for Alberta's Local Governments, which provided a foundation for BCA's newest report, Municipal Matters, focusing on bold recommendations for the future of our cities, towns, and communities. Murray and Mike share their own career journeys to the C-suite, what inspired the creation of this task force, and the most pressing challenges businesses say are holding Albertan communities back. From big cities to small towns, this conversation unpacks the report's three foundational pillars for thriving communities: tackling crime and social disorder, improving permitting and planning processes, and rethinking municipal tax systems and business–government relationships. As Alberta heads into a municipal election cycle this fall, Murray and Mike also offer their advice to future mayors and councillors on how to work with business to create places where people and communities can truly flourish. About the Business Council of Alberta The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home. Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv Follow us on socials: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J