Episode 1: Understanding and Adapting to Technological Disruption in Today’s Economy with Alfredo Tan, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, WestJet Airlines

Managing Partner, Louis Frapporti, sits down with George McGehrin, Executive Head-hunter and President, McGehrin Group, to discuss the importance of adapting your business and branding in the digital age, and the key fundamental mindsets for advancing your career.

Managing Partner, Louis Frapporti, sits down with Chief Executive Officer of McMaster Innovation Park, Ty Shattuck, to discuss Canada's premier research park, how it connects Hamilton's innovation ecosystem and the future vision of the park.

Managing Partner, Lou Frapporti, sits down with Dean of Engineering and Technology at Mohawk College, David Santi, to discuss how the design and development of Mohawk College’s Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, has brought together both industry and academia in the constantly-changing world of health, energy and technology.

Chris Murray is the former City Manager of Hamilton and is now in the same role with the City of Toronto. He is a city planner by trade, a relationship builder, and a problem solver. Perhaps most notable of his accomplishments, Chris played an intricate role in the completion of the Red Hill Valley Parkway. In this episode, Chris dives into how he solves problems and builds relationships – and discusses how mentorship and education have shaped and will continue to shape, the professional he is in today.

Rob MacIsaac is a distinguished public servant, business leader and currently the President and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences. Since joining HHS, Rob has led the development of a new strategic plan and approach for HHS, focused on enhancing HHS’ role and relationships with the communities it serves. Rob sits down with Louis Frapporti to discuss how his past experiences have contributed to his current role at HHS. From his time as the Mayor of Burlington to President of Mohawk College to Lead Chair at Metrolinx, Rob has led with the ambition to leave every organization a little better than he found it.

Few lawyers are revitalizing the traditional law firm model quite like Louis Frapporti. Through collaborative partnerships with key institutions, Gowling WLG Hamilton is changing the way lawyers provide value to their clients and approach the way they practice. His views on collaboration, compensation, client relationships and social impact are unique in mindset and practical in execution. Lou is an experienced and charismatic litigator; his thought leadership on the legal profession will captivate you as guest interviewer, Jordan Furlong, provokes Lou’s excitement for the future of his firm and the legal profession at large.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger was born in Amsterdam and came to Canada with his family when he was 8 years old, settling in Hamilton. His Worship is currently serving his third 4 year term as Mayor, previously he served as a member of the Hamilton Council, as Chair of the Hamilton Port Authority and is President and Chief Executive of the Canadian Urban Institute, where he was involved in the development of leading edge progressive urban policy.  Mr. Eisenberger is an optimistic city builder, respected leader, and an empathetic listener. As Lou poses questions about culture, leadership and economic development, Mr. Eisenberger provides responses that encapsulate the traits you look for in the leader of a city. His knowledge and perspectives on cultivating culture and the collaboration that should exist between cities and their people and businesses emanates as he sits down with Lou during his third 4 year term as the Mayor of the City of Hamilton.

Mario has more than 30 years of experience as an accounting professional and has recently focussed this expertise on leading KPMG’s Enterprise advisory group. In the role, Mario leads a group committed to helping private companies and their owners maximize value and meet their business goals. Mario’s knowledge and perspective on professional services is not taken for granted, as Lou digs in to better understand KPMG’s business model and discover what makes Mario a seasoned and well-respected leader.

As technology continues to disrupt the legal world, many in the legal industry remain stubbornly defiant.   The irrepressible Jordan Furlong discusses why this is happening and what can be done about it while illuminating the risks that await those law firms that do not change their mindset and approach.   From the critical importance of eliminating elitism in the legal industry to rethinking how we train young legal minds – Jordan’s candid thoughts on the legal profession will inspire you to embrace change. 

The scale and pace of technological change is increasingly disrupting the business landscape in profound ways.  In this inaugural episode of Accelerating Business, Lou is joined by Alfredo Tan, WestJet’s Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, formerly at Facebook/Instagram, to explore technological disruption, its implications for businesses and business leaders, and how he and WestJet are approaching this challenge.