Episodes

1
Sept. 4, 2025

Overcoming Remote Work Challenges with Sarah Planckaert of Essential Impact

Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian explore the unique challenges of virtual leadership coaching with executive coach Sarah Planckaert. They discuss building trust, communication, decision making and setting boundaries in a remote work world. Sarah shares how she helps leaders have complex conversations and make difficult decisions during uncertain times.
2
Sept. 4, 2025

Passing a Legacy of Trade and Dreams with Awl Together Leather

In another episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian chat with Tess and Ariss, co-founders of Awl Together Leather in Vancouver. They share their passion for sustainability and inclusion in leatherwork and shoe repair. They started their own business focused on passing down craftsmanship and prolonging the lifecycle of leather goods through repair. Their creativity shines through in the problem-solving required for each unique repair job. Listen to learn how two entrepr...
3
Sept. 4, 2025

Strike your Bad Financial Habits with Alireza Fadaie, the "Financial Sensei"

Wanna get a handle on your finances but feeling overwhelmed? IIn this episode of the Innovation Fuel Podcast with Gelareh Farhadian and Dave Keighron, our guest is Alireza Fadaie, "the Financial Sensei." Alireza breaks down how to take control of your money with a focus on budgeting, debt, and saving for retirement. Listen and learn how to identify sneaky spending habits and make small changes for big results!
4
Sept. 4, 2025

Changing the economics of food production with Azrah Majin-Savin and Syzl

On this special International Women's Day episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian sit down with the trailblazing Azra Manjin-Savin, CEO and co-founder of Syzl. Discover her journey from working with giants like LinkedIn and WeWork to revolutionizing the culinary world with an Airbnb for kitchens. Dive into a candid conversation about the unique challenges and triumphs of women in tech and entrepreneurship, and be inspired by Azra's vision for a more inclusive industry...
5
Sept. 4, 2025

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability - Innovation Fuel IGNITE - Winter 2024 Edition

Dive into a riveting conversation about Artificial Intelligence Optimizing Decarbonization and Sustainability at the Innovation Fuel Ignite conference. Join Innovation Fuel Podcast Hosts Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian University Canada West and guest speakers Kiran Dhatt from Ceco AI as well as Babak Safadost and Soroush Nikdel, co-founders of ZeroTrek, as they discuss the journey towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Discover how AI and machine learning revolutionize resource management ...
7
Sept. 4, 2025

B2B Marketing Insights: Volvo's Strategy for Social Media Success

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, Our hosts, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian, explore digital marketing in the automotive industry, focusing on B2B and employer branding. Our guest kris Granger Digital Marketing Manager at Volvo discusses creating diverse content, aligning with brand values, and using social media to build connections. Discover how data analytics and virtual reality shape the future of customer engagement.
6
Sept. 4, 2025

The Future of Teddy Bears

Hosts Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian welcome Zoran Kovacevic, CEO of Toy Mint, to Innovation Fuel. They dive into an engaging discussion on transforming the beloved traditional teddy bear into a digital, impactful toy for the future.
8
Sept. 4, 2025

Unlocking Financial Success with a Fractional CFO: Insights from Nick French

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian chat with Nick French, CPA, about the role of fractional CFOs. Learn how they support small and medium businesses with growth, strategy, and financial challenges, and the benefits of using data and AI in financial management. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on boosting your business’s financial health!
9
Sept. 4, 2025

Revolutionizing Car Leasing with Econommi

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we sit down with Arvin Mat, the Chief Operations Officer of Economy, to explore the innovative world of automotive fintech. Arvin takes us through his journey and the unique solutions Economy provides for car leasing, especially for newcomers and those with limited credit history.
10
Sept. 4, 2025

From Farm to Fork: The Future of Animal Traceability

Discover how blockchain and facial recognition are revolutionizing livestock traceability and sustainability in our latest episode of Innovation Fuel with Corlena Patterson, CEO of PrüvIT Technologies. Our hosts, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian discuss the future of agritech!
11
Sept. 4, 2025

From Trash to Treasure:  Recyclorobo.ai Revolution

Discover how Recyclorobo.ai Revolution is revolutionizing the recycling industry with cutting-edge AI technology. Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian our latest episode of Innovation Fuel as They chat with CEO and Co-founder Tanvir Ahsan about their journey and future plans. Don't miss out!
12
Sept. 4, 2025

Innovation Fuel Podcast – Special Edition: Conversations with AI Avatars

In response to UNESCO's call to promote AI competency frameworks for both teachers and students, Dr. Noosha Mehdian from University Canada West has collaborated with AI to produce this podcast. Leveraging the power of Gemini API avatars, Dr. Mehdian explores how UNESCO's AI competency framework can help prepare educators and students to become responsible, creative citizens in the AI era. She discusses the importance of integrating AI competency into curricula and educational policies, and ho...
13
Sept. 4, 2025

A Bright Idea for a Greener Future with Paige White Head and LuxBio

Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian in another enlightening episode of Innovation Fuel Business podcasts by University Canada West as we discuss the future of sustainable technology with Paige Whitehead, CEO and co-founder of Lux Bio. Discover how Paige is revolutionizing the glow stick industry with bioluminescence, offering a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative. Contact Paige in her LinkedIn to learn more about LuxBio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-whitehead/
14
Sept. 4, 2025

Navigating the World in Three Words: A New Addressing System with Marcus Taylor and What 3 Words

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian as they transformative power of What3words with Marcus Taylor, Head of North American Partnerships. Discover how this innovative addressing system is revolutionizing location precision, from aiding emergency services to enhancing delivery efficiency. Listen now! Learn more about What 3 Words here
15
Sept. 4, 2025

Smart Solutions: Revolutionizing Home Security with AI Technology by Kevin Gu and Baystech

Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian delve into the world of smart home technology with Kevin Gu, CEO of BAYS Technologies and, Somayyeh T. VP of Business Development. Learn about their ambitious goal to eliminate preventable damages from water and fire, and how their B2B model is transforming the security industry. Learn more about Baystech smart systemes here
16
Sept. 4, 2025

Launch Your Own Beauty Brand: Insights from Blanka's Co-Founder Adam Schuntz

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we delve into the world of beauty e-commerce with Adam Chunz, co-founder and CMO of Blanka. Discover how Blanka is democratizing the beauty industry by enabling anyone to create and scale their own beauty product line. Listen to learn about the innovative platform that's changing the game for entrepreneurs, influencers, and existing brands. Learn more about Blanka's platform for creators here
18
Sept. 4, 2025

Storytelling: The Secret Weapon for Entrepreneurs by Christian Ray Flores

Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian as they dive into the world of storytelling with Christian Ray Flores, co-founder of Third Drive. Discover the power of storytelling in entrepreneurship and how it can be used to captivate investors and grow businesses. Learn more about the interesting combination between StartUp incubator and Creative Agency Third Drive here
19
Sept. 4, 2025

Real Estate Marketing Revolution Using Video by Sam Mehrbod and Roomvu

Welcome to another episode of Innovation Fuel by University Canada West, where we delve into the dynamic world of real estate marketing with Sam Meud, founder and CEO of RoomVu. Where they are transforming the marketing landscape for over thousands of real estate agents! Learn more on how realtors can have automated video marketing in one solution here
20
Sept. 4, 2025

The Art of Podcasting: Lessons from a Former DJ by Jennifer Lee Gunson and JPOD Creations

Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian chat with Jennifer Lee Gunson, founder of J PodCreations, about her journey from broadcasting to establishing a successful podcasting company. Discover how Jennifer's background in radio has influenced her innovative approach to podcasting and learn about the rebirth of radio through podcasts. Learn more about Jennifer and JPod solutions for podcasters here
17
Feb. 28, 2025

NFT Demystified: A Beginner's Guide to Digital Ownership with Mehmet Taskiran and

Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian explores the world of NFTs and blockchain technology with visionary technology leader Mehmet Taskiran Founder of OIX. Discover how OIX is revolutionizing the NFT marketplace by making it more accessible and user-friendly. Learn more about NFT's and how to create digital assets here