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.
Topics Covered:
- What OCIF is and how it works
- Sector-focused economic development (Life Sciences, Agtech, Aerospace, etc.)
- Creating and funding hubs, nodes, and platforms
- The balance of curiosity vs. decision-making in leadership
- Why creative industries are crucial to ecosystem storytelling
- Navigating imposter syndrome in new roles
- Calgary’s innovation ecosystem and its unique strengths
For the extra curious
Links & Mentions:
This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at
https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.
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Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
What is Collisions YYC?
Tired of the same old news cycle? Get informed on what’s happening in businesses in Calgary, Alberta and beyond with Collisions YYC.
Tyler Chisholm hosts Alberta’s best and brightest minds who are shaping the very landscape of our province with their work in fields like Technology, FinTech, Energy, Healthcare, Education, AI, and more. Tyler’s inherent curiosity and exploratory style fuel candid conversations with the people who are driving change in our city, our province and the world.
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