Season 1: The Future of Labs
This episode is the beginning of a three part series around the
Future of Labs Gathering in May 2024, where social innovation lab practitioners from around Canada will be coming together on Cortes Island in British Columbia to try to figure out what the next 10 years of lab practice might look like.
Across these three episodes, we will be talking to folks before, during, and after the Future of Labs Gathering. This episode: Before.
In the first half of the episode, we’ll talk to some of the people who’ve been hard at work organizing this gathering, to try to find out what labs are capable of, where they stumble, and why they feel like labs in Canada are at a crossroads. Our guests in this first conversation are Ben Weinlick (Executive Director of
Skills Society), Geraldine Cahill (Director of Engagement with
Social Innovation Canada) and Mark Cabaj (President of
Here to There Consulting).
Then in the second half, hear how
Winnipeg Boldness Project Director Diane Roussin is using labs to make sure Indigenous families have a voice in defining the problems they want to solve. You'll also learn what she’s hoping for on Cortes Island, from finding ways to build awareness of labs to paying attention to the island itself together.
The Future of Labs Gathering is convened and sponsored by
Social Innovation Canada and
Action Lab. Support for this podcast series comes from the Action Lab, the
Edmonton Community Foundation, the
Hamilton Community Foundation, and the
Oakville Community Foundation. A special thank you to Suncor Energy Foundation for supporting the Future of Labs.
What is Wicked Complex?
Wicked Complex is an insightful podcast produced by Action Lab, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This podcast delves into some of the most wicked and complex problems we face today, and the approaches used to work on them. Renowned worldwide, Action Lab is celebrated for its work in social innovation and systemic change, tackling intricate issues head-on. In our episodes, we engage with innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, dissecting complex problems and the myriad solutions being pursued. Join us as we explore what makes a problem "wicked complex" and the diverse methodologies, processes, and strategies employed to overcome these challenges. This podcast is for change makers, social innovation lab explorers, and any individual or organization keen on addressing the challenges we face today, providing insights and inspiration for those dedicated to making a difference.