UNBeknownst
UNB Associated Alumni
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A podcast for UNB alumni, by UNB alumni. Sharing interesting and surprising stories of people you may not have known attended the University of New Brunswick. Discussions on lessons learned, insights gained and hot takes on current topics.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Mar 9, 2023
#27: Balarama Holness on education, politics and confronting systemic racism
Balarama Holness (MEd’16) is a former CFL athlete turned social entrepreneur, community organizer and anti-racism activist. A native of Montreal, he played professional football for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won the Grey Cup in 2010. He’s also well educated, having earned a Master’s in Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor from McGill University. In 2018, Balarama gained political notoriety by gaining support to force Montreal's municipal government to launch a public inquiry into systemic racism and discrimination in the city. In 2021, Balarama announced his run for Mayor of Montreal under a new, community-led political party, Movement Montreal. Now, he’s published a book that recounts his journey from an ashram in West Virginia to becoming a leader in Montreal committed to reshaping society as we know it.
In this episode:
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His unusual upbringing and how he felt marginalized upon returning to Montreal.
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How he got into football and how sports got him back on track.
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Why his advanced education was his way to empower himself and his needs in society.
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The step into politics and activism, and ideas for how citizens can press for true democracy and open access.
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The tensions between Quebec and “Rest of Canada” (and Montreal) over discriminatory laws.
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How he and others are pressing forward to eradicate racism in Montreal and beyond.
Links and resources:
Balarama Holness website
His book, Eyes on the Horizon: My Journey Toward Justice
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Katie Davey
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Feb 9, 2023
#26: Deborah Lyons on being Ambassador and UN representative in Afghanistan – and why education for women is critical for global stability
Ambassador Deborah Lyons (BA’71, DLitt'15) is a diplomat with 21 years of professional experience in political affairs, international cooperation and economic development. Her most recent assignment was as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, having served prior to that as Ambassador of Canada to Israel and before that as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Ms. Lyons has held several senior positions with Canada’s Department of Global Affairs, including as Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy and Planning and Chief Strategist, and directorships covering commercial relations, international finance and technology. She has also worked with Canada’s Department of Natural Resources and Privy Council Office and owned and managed an environmental consulting firm. Ms. Lyons is from Miramichi, New Brunswick and graduated from UNB in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In this episode:
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Deborah’s account of being in Afghanistan during an extremely challenging transition period of the American withdrawal of troops and takeover by the Taliban.
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Why she’s such a fan of the United Nations and why she wanted to be in Afghanistan at that time.
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The progress she saw in the country prior to the Taliban takeover and her feelings on the state of women in Afghanistan today.
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Her insights on the future for women in Afghanistan, and on engaging and educating women for global societal stability.
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What Canada and Canadians can and should do to help support women in Afghanistan.
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Deborah’s two realities - that formed who she is.
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Her thoughts on next steps in her career and role in diffusing the growth of divisive hate speech and discourse in Canada and around the world.
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Her advice on how we move forward in a changing world.
Links and resources:
UN Announcement
UN Farewell statement
Deborah’s Twitter
Thanks to:
* Our alumni host, Katie Davey
* Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
* Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website.
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Jan 12, 2023
#25: John Leroux on what it means to love a place and why architecture and art are so important in attracting and inspiring people
John Leroux (PhD’20) is an architect, art historian and currently Manager of Collections and Exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick. John has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of art history, architecture, visual art, curation, and education. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, an M.A. in Art History from Concordia University, and a PhD in History from UNB. He has worked at award-winning architecture firms in Toronto, Atlanta, Saint John, and his hometown of Fredericton – and has taught at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, the University of New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University. He’s also won many awards for architectural and public art projects throughout Canada. A passionate advocate for the arts and for architectural conservancy, John has authored 16 books on architecture and visual culture, including Building New Brunswick: An Architectural History and Building a University: The Architecture of UNB.
In this episode:
* The magnificent historical architecture of New Brunswick and the not-so-magnificent modern architecture of New Brunswick.
* What it means to love a place and steward it
* Why the places that are popular are because of the quality of the environment
* John’s favourite building in New Brunswick
* The unique nature of wooden architecture in the Maritimes John’s favourite buildings on UNB’s campuses and why they’re significant
* The history behind the built environments of the Saint John and Fredericton campuses John’s favourite artwork in Fredericton – and it’s on the UNB campus!
* His thoughts on the expansion of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Links and resources:
John’s website
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Building a University: The Architecture of UNB
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Katie Davey
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Dec 8, 2022
#24: Krista Jones on the future of work, the intersection of people with digital transformation, and how Canada can be competitive globally
Krista Jones (BScEE'88) has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses for over 30 years. She leverages her deep entrepreneurial and leadership experience to advise founders, inspire teams and create programs to scale Canada’s most innovative companies. Currently Senior VP of Ventures Services at MaRS Discovery District, she recently founded MaRS Momentum, an exclusive program that supports the executives of high-growth companies and accelerates their journey to $100 million in revenue. Krista is relied on as thought leader in the “Future of Work” by organizations from all around the world. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor and expert problem solver, she has a unique combination of expertise and is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, business models and innovation practices.
In this episode:
* How Krista gained the confidence to go big on projects and ideas.
* Going deep in different areas of MaRS and supporting entrepreneurs.
* The future of jobs and how people can use tech while keeping the focus on people.
* How automation – or rather augmentation - plays a role in the evolution of jobs.
* Why companies are making short-term decisions right now.
* Krista dives into the Momentum program to help solve Canada’s productivity gap.
* How to close the innovation loop.
* Why Canada should embrace the success metrics of good, better, best.
* The challenges that persist in Canada when it comes to joining the global competition.
* What Krista is excited about for the future.
Links and resources:
MaRS Discovery
Krista’s LinkedIn
UNB article on Krista and the future of work
Krista’s article in The Record
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Katie Davey
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Nov 10, 2022
#23: Donald Savoie on the centralization of power in Western governments, lack of public trust in our leaders, and what government IS good at
Donald Savoie (MA’72) holds the Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance at the Université de Moncton, as well as the Clément-Cormier Research Chair in Economic Development. Over his career, he has served as an advisor to federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, the private sector, independent associations, OECD, the World Bank and the United Nations. In 1986, at the request of the Canadian prime minister, he undertook a review of federal government regional development efforts in Atlantic Canada and prepared a report that led to the establishment of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Professor Savoie has published numerous books on public policy, public administration and federalism and has written articles that have appeared in leading national and international peer-reviewed journals in Canada, the U.K., India and the United States.
In this episode:
* The risk of centralization of power among various Western governments
* How lack of regional ministers has contributed to a public lack of trust in the government
* The breakdown of accountability
* What government is good at
* How Donald became such a prolific researcher and writer
* Why he’s a “Maritime nationalist”
Links and resources:
Donald J. Savoie Institute
Publications
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Katie Davey
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Oct 13, 2022
#22: Emilie Chiasson on creating human-centered designs and solving big challenges through collective action and gender equality
Emilie Chiasson (BPHIL’15) is a design and innovation expert who’s worked with government and NGO organizations to co-create meaningful solutions to persistent problems in developing countries and regions. After graduating from UNB’s Renaissance College, she completed a Master's in Global Affairs from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and since then has gained field experience working with vulnerable populations on the traditional unceded territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) peoples as well as with communities in Africa, Asia and Europe. Emilie has worked hard to support marginalized groups and bring to light their lived experiences through advocacy and programming and has navigated complex policy and humanitarian issues. She is currently a Social Science & Social Behaviour Change Fellow with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, stationed in Kampala, Uganda.
In this episode:
* Emilie’s non-linear path from UNB to living on five different continents
* What human-centered design means in the field
* Innovative interventions Emilie’s been working on
* Complex solutions to complex conflicts and problems
* Gender education and equality efforts in Uganda – and why it’s so important
* Prioritizing health and wellness and a social network to maintain momentum
Links and resources:
Emilie’s LinkedIn
UNB’s Renaissance College
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
AKF Gender Equality Policy
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Katie Davey
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Sep 7, 2022
#21: Josh O’Kane on Sidewalk Labs and “the city Google couldn’t buy”
Josh O'Kane (BSc/BA ‘09) is a reporter with The Globe and Mail who has covered the technology sector for much of the past five years. His coverage focuses on the relationships between tech companies and human beings, governments, economies, and each other. His latest book, Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy, investigates the failed effort by Google sister company Sidewalk Labs to build a future-focused neighbourhood in Toronto, the many institutions that company won over, and the consequences of Big Tech’s push into the physical world. Josh has extensively reported from Berlin, Halifax, Fredericton and Saint John, and is based in Toronto. He got his start on the UNB campuses – he has a science and arts degree from UNB, wrote for the UNBSJ student paper, The Baron, and was editor of The Brunswickan on the Fredericton campus.
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Jun 23, 2022
Episode 20: Mitch Cobb on purpose-driven entrepreneurship and making a positive community impact
Mitch Cobb (BA’02) is co-owner and CEO of Upstreet Craft Brewery, on Prince Edward Island. But Upstreet isn’t just a brewery (even though it's grown to become a major player in the Atlantic Canada brewing industry), it’s a Certified B Corp, intent on doing business differently and making a positive impact in their community. Mitch has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine. He graduated from UNB with an Arts degree in Anthropology and International Development and says that a lightbulb went off for him when he realized that community development and business are not on the opposite sides of the spectrum.
In this episode:
* The origin story for Upstreet
* The meaning behind being a certified B Corp and why it’s important
* Why Mitch is drawn to purpose-driven entrepreneurship
* The passion and technology behind Upstreet reducing its carbon footprint
* An honest conversation around corporate greed and a shift in Millennial and Gen Z consumers
* How to find balance as an entrepreneur
* Leaning into shifts in society, including creating a non-alcoholic craft beer
Links and resources:
* Upstreet Craft Brewing Beer Collection: https://upstreet.ca/beer/
* Libra Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Collection: https://drinklibra.ca/collections/all
* Partnership with Local Musicians - Serena Ryder Video - Libra’s Balance Ambassador: https://drinklibra.ca/pages/our-story
* B Corporation: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
* Bullfrog Power Utilized in Taproom: https://bullfrogpower.com/
Thanks to:
Our alumni hosts, the AAA Team: Arsham, Arash and Armin Ahmadi https://www.unb.ca/alumni/alumni-news/unb-alumni-podcast.html
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/beats-of-burden/1451387846
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance, Manulife, and MBNA Mastercard: https://www.unb.ca/alumni/benefitsandservices/index.html
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Jun 9, 2022
Episode 19: Julia Wright on finding your path through trial and error, and journalism in challenging times
Julia Wright (BA’07) is the host of CBC Information Morning on CBC Radio 1 in Saint John and is also an award-winning writer and photographer. Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Julia was a contributor to Vice, Buzzfeed, and various local and provincial newspapers before taking on radio hosting duties in 2019. Earlier, she founded and edited two independent Saint John creative writing and art zines. In this episode, Julia discusses why she loves her hometown of Saint John, her unconventional path to success, journalism since COVID-19, and what she learned at UNB that is so important in her professional life.
Links and resources:
CBC bio
Julia on Twitter
Julia’s LinkedIn
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Shauna Cole
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance, Manulife, and MBNA Mastercard
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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May 26, 2022
Episode 18: Brandon Mitchell on creating comic books and teaching youth through visually telling Mi’kmaq stories
Brandon Mitchell (BIS’16, MEd’18) is a Mi'kmaq graphic artist, published writer and entrepreneur from Listuguj, Quebec, now residing in Fredericton. Brandon is a two-time graduate of UNB, with a Bachelor in Multimedia and Art Culture and Master in Education, Adult and Continuing Education. He is the founder of Birch Bark Comics and creator of the Sacred Circles comic series. His work includes a series of illustrated books that fuse contemporary graphic novel artistic approaches with traditional Mi’kmaq stories and language. Brandon feels that comic books and graphic novels are a path to better teach Indigenous youth about their culture, rather than from a textbook.
In this episode:
* How Brandon realized he could write and how he got into graphic novels
* His initial experience teaching Indigenous youth in his home community, and how it inspired creating Mi’kmaq graphic art stories
* The challenge of starting and growing an Indigenous business, and in being both an entrepreneur and a creative
* Growing a career as a published author
* Why Brandon feels incorporating the Mi’kmaq language into storytelling is a better way to expose young readers to culture and pride
Links and resources:
Birch Bark Comics
Brandon’s books
Beaverbrook Art Gallery exhibit
Brandon on Twitter
Thanks to:
Our alumni host, Ian Smith
Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden
Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance, Manulife, and MBNA Mastercard
To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website
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Apr 21, 2022
Episode 17: Tom Liston on Bay Street and how the Canadian tech sector can help us overcome big global challenges
Tom Liston (BBA’96) is one of the most sought-after minds in Canada’s tech investment sector. Tom currently serves on several Board of Directors for public and private technology companies, and he has a strong track record of shareholder value creation in that capacity. As Chief Investment Officer of a leading technology-focused venture capital firm, he made investments in SaaS, FinTech, and Healthcare IT fields – two of which were among the top exits in Canadian technology in the past decade. Tom is consistently ranked among the top technology analysts in industry surveys and has received more StarMine stock-picking awards than any other technology analyst. He also volunteers his time as a mentor at the Future of Sport Lab in Toronto, has raised over $100,000 for the MLSE Foundation to support kids' sport, and just recently was a lead investor and advocate for refurbishing Canada’s oldest basketball court in St. Stephen, NB.
In this episode:
* How Tom broke into the big l…
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Apr 7, 2022
Episode 16: Mike Harrison on emergency medicine during a pandemic, flight surgery and the long way to get to what you love
Mike Harrison (BScKin’02, MScExSS’05) is a flight surgeon as well as an emergency medicine and critical care physician at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He was recently one of the flight surgeons for SpaceX’s Crew-1 Dragon - which launched in 2020 and returned in 2021. Mike graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and a Master of Science in exercise and sport science. We talk with Mike about his work as a physician during these strange times, what it’s like to be part of a space crew, and what it takes to follow your dreams and shoot for the stars.
In this episode:
* What is aerospace surgery and how Mike got into it
* How emergency medicine has changed since the pandemic
* The different perspectives of health care workers during the pandemic
* Why the longer path to getting to where he’s supposed to be was helpful
* The excitement of being part of the future of space travel
* The unknown physiologic effects on humans in spac…
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Mar 24, 2022
Episode 15: Alexandra Pope on Canadian Geographic, life balance and the polarization of media
Alexandra Pope (BPhil’06) graduated from UNB’s Renaissance College Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership program and went straight to work in social media and journalism for local newspapers. She jumped to The Weather Network and then joined Canadian Geographic as digital editor – a dream job. Recently, she was named Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Geographic magazine and its sister publication, Canadian Geographic Travel. Alexandra has had the opportunity to travel to many amazing places in pursuit of interesting stories, including a tidal energy platform in the middle of the Bay of Fundy, a fur trading post in northern Saskatchewan, and the Vimy Ridge battlefield.
In this episode:
* Alexandra’s role as Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Geographic and her path from local weekly newspaper journalist to leading a major national magazine
* The struggle and successes with work-life balance
* The polarization of media and influence of social media – and where journalism is headin…
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Mar 3, 2022
Episode 14: From Artsy to Shopify, Ash Furrow on compassionate software development and separating yourself from your work
Ash Furrow (BCS’09) is a compassionate software developer who launched his career while still a computer science student at UNB. After graduating, Ash and his partner moved to Toronto, then Amsterdam, and then New York, where he joined Artsy as it was just beginning to grow into the world’s largest online marketplace for art. He finally moved home to New Brunswick in 2020 and is now working at Shopify. Ash has authored a number of books, built many apps, spoken at conferences around the world, and is a prolific contributor to open-source software. On his blog, he writes about programming, team leadership, mental health, and his explorations of the humanities.
In this episode:
* How Ash’s UNB experience helped launch his career and led to developing his own apps
* The lessons he learned through early explorations of building apps during the rise of the smartphone
* Ash’s approach to compassionate software development and his motivation for building a psychologically s…
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Feb 17, 2022
Episode 13: James Gitau on the dangers and rewards of leading humanitarian work with UNICEF around the globe
James Gitau (BBA'87, MA'89) came from Kenya to Canada in the 1980s to study at UNB and later returned to Africa to cultivate an esteemed career with UNICEF across the globe. He’s part of UNICEF’s senior leadership and operations group, and over the years has developed cross-cultural team leadership skills and has gained international experience within the humanitarian and development context. He’s currently Deputy Representative, Operations for Yemen.
In this episode:
* How taking the chance to study abroad in Canada during the 1980s changed the course of his life.
* James’ perspective on travelling to over 30 countries with UNICEF, and the mystical, fulfilling, and challenging experiences of his career.
* How ensuring policy framework and policy changes were fair, transparent and ethical, was an important yet challenging task in many third world countries.
* Experiencing diverse cultures and learning the history and heritage of the places he’s travelled to.
Li…
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Feb 3, 2022
Episode 12: Olive Ozoemena on promoting diversity and inclusion through employment initiatives and economic development
Olive Ozoemena is Director of Programs and Operations for the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. Olive is from Nigeria and came to New Brunswick in 2015 to study in the MBA program at UNB Saint John. She stayed in the community and has been an integral part of helping to build a multicultural society that is welcoming and inclusive for newcomers and people from all backgrounds. She is also a member of UNB’s Alumni Council, and is passionate about building inclusive communities and moving beyond unconscious biases.
In this episode:
* The experience for international students
* Why Olive is optimistic about breaking down societal biases
* What individuals can do to break down and eliminate our own biases
* How organizations can intentionally include more people and build more representative teams
* The challenges of moving the needle and the reward of positive change
* What employers can do to recognize experience and enhance their workforce
Links and resources:…
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Jan 20, 2022
Episode 11: Asif Hasan on the entrepreneurship ecosystem and the role of businesses and individuals in building a diverse, flourishing community
Asif Hasan is an alum from UNB’s Electrical and Computer Engineering and TME programs, and the CEO and co-founder of SimpTek Technologies, a Fredericton startup company that helps residential homeowners and electric utility companies to better understand, engage and predict energy usage. He’s a world citizen - born in Bangladesh, educated in India and Canada, and now building a company in New Brunswick. He’s fully immersed himself into the community through co-chairing in the creation of Fredericton’s immigration strategy, acting as Dialogue Director for the City of Fredericton and Dialogue NB, as an Advisor for the local immigration network and as Director at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
In this episode:
* Importance of ecosystem to welcome newcomers and make them feel heard and understand they belong.
* How international students are risk managers and entrepreneurs - and how good policies can help keep them in the community
* How TME helped Asif understand…
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Jan 6, 2022
Episode 10: Jason Stephen on the hot real estate market and working through uncertainty
Jason Stephen (BA'98) graduated from UNB Saint John with a degree in history and political science and is now a realtor and real estate expert. Jason has been involved in organized real estate for more than 20 years and just recently concluded his time as President of the Canadian Real Estate Association. He talks about the hot real estate market and trends, as well as coping with the ups and downs in entrepreneurship.
In this episode:
* How attending a small university had a lot to offer and encouraged Jason’s community involvement, spirit, and sense of belonging.
* Serving as the president of the Canadian Real Estate Association and how he has developed a deep involvement with the community through volunteer work
* Jason’s insights into the current hot real estate market in Canada and its volatility
* How there has been population growth in Saint John and how the hybrid system of the world due to the pandemic may have been a contributor.
* Why Jason feels giving…
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Dec 16, 2021
Episode 9: Matt Anderson and Chris Simpson on leading healthcare in a pandemic and adapting to change
Matt Anderson (BA’92) and Chris Simpson (BSc’90) took very different routes to get to top leadership positions in healthcare in Canada. Matt graduated with an arts degree and began his career in data analytics and IT. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management from the University of Toronto and is now CEO of Ontario Health. Chris Simpson graduated from science and went on to Dalhousie University to graduate with an MD in medicine, subsequently completing internal medicine and cardiology training at Queen’s University. Currently, he’s Executive VP (Medical) and Chief Medical Officer at Ontario Health. They discuss leading healthcare through a pandemic, addressing current and future challenges and adapting to change.
In this episode:
* The very different paths to healthcare leadership and knowing vs. not knowing what you want as a student
* COVID-19 as a change agent that forced change quickly in healthcare
* Using data and evide…
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Dec 2, 2021
Episode 8: Samantha Stewart on competition, mental fitness and developing a growth mindset
Samantha Stewart (BRSS'13, BA'14, MEd'19) moved to Fredericton in 2009 to study Recreation and Sport Studies, and during that time, began competing internationally as a member of Team Canada’s wrestling team. Since then, she’s become a ten-time national medalist, been named Most Outstanding Female Wrestler in Canada twice, was the Rio 2016 Olympic alternate, and recently won bronze at the 2021 Wrestling World Championships. Off the mats, Samantha’s completed 3 degrees at UNB: a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology, and a Master of Education in Counselling; and is now a Licensed Counselling Therapist who combines her passion for helping others discover their purpose, achieve their aspirations, and reach their potential with her love, dedication to, and knowledge of elite sport in Canada. She’s an athlete ambassador with the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and KidSport NB, and she’s a huge advocate for athlete mental health a…
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Nov 18, 2021
Episode 7: Eric Cook on Industry 4.0 and Automation
Eric Cook is Executive Director and CEO of RPC, New Brunswick’s provincial research organization that provides science and engineering services to over 1100 clients annually. Eric’s career spans leadership in the application of science and technology in sectors including advanced manufacturing, space science, aerospace, and wireless communications. He’s served as the project engineer for Canada’s first interplanetary space instrument (a mission to Mars), and as General Manager of internationally recognized COM DEV Wireless. He’s an avid researcher into Industry 4.0 as part of the sixth wave of innovation that we’re now entering.
In this episode:
* Why innovation can happen anywhere and not just in big cities, and how students and employers today can build talent right at home
* What Eric learned at NASA early in his career
* What he does at RPC and how they work with the cannabis industry in NB
* How young employees are helping to companies move in a more sust…
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Nov 4, 2021
Episode 6: Cayman Grant on storytelling in Hollywood and why failing is important
Cayman Grant (BBA’01) graduated from UNB's Saint John campus with a BBA in 2001 and has since become an Emmy award-winning writer and director who’s been making films and TV that have been screened in over 100 film festivals worldwide. She’s written and directed several projects, including Playing for the Mob, which earned her an Emmy for the feature-length documentary. Her film, The Boy, was a finalist in the prestigious NBCUniversal Short Cuts Film Festival earning her the Oxygen Best Female Director Award chosen and presented by Academy® Award Winner, Geena Davis. She’s currently a participant in the prestigious NBC/Universal Emerging Directors TV Program and recently sold a studio feature to New Line Cinema / Warner Bros Studios.
In this episode:
* Why growing up in the small village of St. Martin’s, New Brunswick is the reason Cayman became a filmmaker.
* Why Cayman believes you can parlay a business degree into anything you want.
* How Cayman got into telli…
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Oct 21, 2021
Episode 5: Natalie Weigum on the World Bank and the challenges of working in climate science
Natalie Weigum (BSc’10) is currently living in Washington, DC working as a Climate Change Specialist at the World Bank, where she helps integrate climate change into the organization's development lending. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Physics and Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick she completed her PhD in Atmospheric Physics at the University of Oxford and worked in London, UK as a Policy Advisor for the UK Government's Department of Energy and Climate Change. Natalie enjoys living in DC with her fiancé and two cats, and finds time to visit Fredericton as much as she can!
In this episode:
* Pivoting out of academia into policy work and experiencing its more tangible day to day impacts
* Overcoming an internal crisis of working on the energy side for implementing the shale gas industry
* Working on transformative climate change projects to help countries adapt to climate change especially in the developing world
* The chal…
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Oct 6, 2021
Episode 4: Michaela D’Intino on building a strong local supply chain and leading at a young age
Michaela D'Intino (BScE’16) is a young alum, having graduated from Civil Engineering at UNB just five years ago. But Michaela didn’t go into a typical engineering firm or construction job. She went into supply chain and process improvement roles in the food and beverage sector. After working for a number of years with food and beverage giant Pepsi, she’s now with Nova Scotia-based Made With Local. She discusses the importance of local supply chains, why she’s passionate about building strong operations at a local Atlantic company, and tips on how to lead successfully as a young professional.
In this episode:
* Why Michaela is passionate about local supply chains and building strong operations for a local Atlantic company.
* The satisfaction of having personal connections with local suppliers.
* The philosophy behind Made with Local.
* How supply chain got crazy when Covid-19 took over the world.
* The lesson Michaela learned about leading and working with diver…
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Sep 20, 2021
Episode 3: Pam Palmater on activism, decolonization and how to make an impact on Indigenous Reconciliation
Pam Palmater (LLB'97) is an award-winning public speaker, author and social justice activist. She was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and continues to advocate alongside other social movements focusing on Indigenous rights, social justice and climate action. She is also a well-known media commentator and public speaker - considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post. Pam is a member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick and has four university degrees, including a law degree from UNB in 1997. She’s been a practicing lawyer for 22 years and is currently a Professor and the Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University.
In this episode:
* Pam discusses her law background and how she got into activism
* Her time working to make change within government and why it wasn’t for her
* Kids, personal time and social media
* Her experience at Ryerson and the unive…
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Sep 20, 2021
Episode 2: Jason Goldlist on Wealthsimple, Venue and an unusual path to tech entrepreneurship
Jason Goldlist (BPHIL’06), graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership from Renaissance College and is currently CEO and co-founder of Venue, an online platform for virtual special events that inspire and engage. He’s also co-founder of TechTO and has an impressive resume, including as Head of Marketing and General Manager of Wealthsimple.
In this episode:
* Lessons learned from consulting in Africa and then jumping to work for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver
* Jason’s philosophy around choosing career moves to intentionally build the right skills and follow the right people
* What’s needed more than flashy websites and ads to be successful as a company
* The Superbowl ad that helped Wealthsimple burst onto the scene
* The story behind TechTO and what’s needed to grow tech startups in Canada
* The origins of Jason’s new company, Venue
* Jason’s advice for anyone wanting to build an idea into a venture
Links and resources:
V…
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Sep 20, 2021
Pilot: Get to know the alumni hosts of UNBeknownst
Welcome to UNBeknownst, a podcast for alumni, by alumni.
In the pilot episode, University of New Brunswick Associated Alumni Executive Director Michelle McNeil gets to know our volunteer alumni hosts of Season 1 of this new podcast. UNBeknownst explores unexpected career paths, insights of alumni learned from experience outside the classroom, and hot takes on current issues. In our pilot episode, learn more about our hosts: Shauna Cole (BA'02, MBA'12)
Team AAA: Arash Ahmadi (BScEE'15), Arsham Ahmadi (BScEE’12), Armin Ahmadi (BBA’18)
Emily Barner (BBA’96)
Ian Smith (BSc’17, CS'17, MCS'19)
For more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to be alerted to new episodes, visit https://www.unb.ca/alumni/alumni-news/unb-alumni-podcast.html.
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