A New Wave Podcast
Calgary’s Entrepreneurial DNA, Campus to Community, and a Culture of Innovation
Guy Levesque is the Executive Director of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary. In this episode he explores what makes Calgary one of Canada’s most vibrant—and underestimated—entrepreneurial cities. From its rugged roots and risk-taking culture to its rapidly growing tech sector, Guy unpacks what he calls Calgary’s “entrepreneurial DNA.”Drawing from his cross-country experience in innovation ecosystems, Guy shares why he made the leap from Ottawa to Calgary, what sets the city’s startup community apart, and how the Hunter Hub is fueling a diverse pipeline of entrepreneurial talent. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, or just curious about what’s happening in Western Canada, this episode offers an inside look at a city—and a community—on the rise.
Season 11 — July 29, 2025
5 Key Takeaways:
- Don’t Assume You Know What You Want
Mark introduces the concept of miswanting — when we desire something we think we’ll enjoy, only to discover it doesn’t actually fit us. Before pursuing a new path, ask yourself, “What do I really value?” - Use “Field Research” Before Committing
Thinking about becoming a product manager, teacher, or founder? Talk to someone doing that work. Understand the daily highs and lows before you pivot. - Organize Your Reflection
Random journaling won’t cut it. Mark suggests narrative-based reflection—looking at past jobs, education, and volunteer experiences to map your skills, values, and preferences. - Beware of the “Greener Grass” Mindset
That job your friend has might seem perfect, but without proper exploration, you could land in the same dissatisfaction loop. Test your assumptions through informational interviews. - Career Professionals Are a Hidden Resource
We don’t hesitate to hire a dentist, lawyer, or therapist, why not a career pro? Especially when navigating uncertainty, they can help you clarify your next move with structure and insight.
Show Notes:
- [00:01:00] Mark defines “miswanting” and how it can lead people to pursue careers they don’t actually enjoy.
- [00:03:00] Mark shares the value of field research and talking to people before making career decisions.
- [00:06:00] Mini-retirements: why taking a break isn’t enough unless it includes structured reflection.
- [00:08:00] Training and certification pathways for career development professionals in Canada.
- [00:10:00] Mark’s personal career shift from engineering to counseling, and the values conflict that sparked it.
- [00:12:00] Working for a gun manufacturer and the realization that he wanted to make a positive impact instead.
- [00:17:00] The rise of Responsible Tech and how job seekers can align their values with their skills.
- [00:21:00] Why people assume “the grass is greener” and how to test that theory with intentional exploration.
- [00:23:00] How to handle uncertainty in career transitions and avoid the myth of a “soulmate career.”
- [00:26:00] Parental expectations, values mismatches, and common red flags in career decision-making.
- [00:29:00] Entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and the value of career checkups.
Highlights
“…people who came to Calgary or established Calgary came here with a dream to create a better life for themselves and take advantage of geography.” [00:03:00]
“Calgary continues to outperform almost every city in the country and in fact, almost every city in North America. So there's a tremendous amount of early capital access in our city.” [00:17:00]
“All of the ingredients to make Calgary stand out as a global hub for entrepreneurship are all there.”
[00:27:00]
