{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Collisions YYC","title":"Crystal Phillips, Growing Innovation Hubs in Calgary","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/2ea457ea\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2900,"description":"Crystal Phillips, former Olympic-level speed skater and co-founder of the Branch Out Foundation, joins Collisions YYC as the newly minted Senior Director at the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). In this candid and future-forward episode, Crystal and host Tyler Chisholm explore how OCIF is fueling Calgary’s transformation through strategic investments in high-potential sectors—from life sciences to agtech to creative industries. Crystal unpacks how OCIF evaluates projects for impact, fosters ecosystem “collisions,” and balances long-term vision with short-term execution. She also shares personal insights on leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and why Calgary’s culture of collaboration remains its greatest asset. This episode is a masterclass in economic development meets emotional intelligence. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and civic leaders alike.\nTopics Covered:What OCIF is and how it worksSector-focused economic development (Life Sciences, Agtech, Aerospace, etc.)Creating and funding hubs, nodes, and platformsThe balance of curiosity vs. decision-making in leadershipWhy creative industries are crucial to ecosystem storytellingNavigating imposter syndrome in new rolesCalgary’s innovation ecosystem and its unique strengthsFor the extra curious\nLinks & Mentions:\nOpportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) Branch Out Neurological Foundation Platform CalgaryThe Knowledge SocietyCreative Destruction Lab\nSimilar episodes you might enjoy\nE515 – Justin Caskey, Transforming Service Business With Technology \nE512 – Chris Foster, AI Hype vs. Reality: Expert Insights\nE500 – Deborah Yedlin, Brains, Business, and Belonging: Unpacking the Calgary Advantage\nE513 – Rosa Twyman, Energy Markets, Renewables, and Consumer Impact \nE495 – Leah Sarich, Exploring the Human Side of Startup Success and Challenges\nThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/RDhSgHWKoU1bfVWik5xPvQuD59nodczr5uXw9s_8x0I/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzU3NzMvMTU4MDIz/NTM3NC1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}