Reza Enaloui, P.Eng., PMP., Founder of Semitechnics Corp, Chair of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) Steering Committee, Reza is advancing smart energy management solutions to help create a more sustainable future. He holds a Master’s in Electrical-Energy Systems and a PhD in Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Technologies from the University of Alberta.
In this conversation, Reza Enaloui shares his journey from Iran to Canada, detailing his experiences as an entrepreneur in the energy management sector. He discusses the challenges he faced while starting his first company in Iran, the decision to immigrate to Canada, and the subsequent journey of establishing his new company, Semi-Technique Corporation. Reza emphasizes the importance of innovation in technology, particularly in energy systems, and shares insights on balancing work, family, and personal growth. His story is one of resilience, motivation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Takeaways
-Reza started his first company in Iran before immigrating to Canada.
-He faced significant challenges in Iran due to political issues affecting business.
-Reza's wife received an acceptance letter from the University of Alberta, prompting their move to Canada.
-He worked multiple jobs in Canada while his wife pursued her PhD.
-Reza identified a gap in the Canadian market for energy management technology.
-His company focuses on providing insights into energy consumption for clients.
-Reza emphasizes the importance of family time and balance in life.
-He is currently pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering while running his company.
-Reza believes in the power of genuine connections and fairness in society.
-He aims to empower consumers to take control of their energy usage.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:54 Journey from Iran to Canada
06:10 Challenges of Immigrating and Settling in Canada
08:57 Cultural Adjustments and Perspectives
11:59 Early Career Struggles and Adaptation
14:58 Starting a New Life and Career in Canada
18:04 Pursuing Education and Professional Growth
20:45 Entrepreneurial Aspirations and Company Formation
27:59 The Spark of Innovation
32:32 Building a Business Plan
35:56 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
39:42 Developing Advanced Technology
45:36 Balancing Life and Work
53:09 The Importance of Genuine Connections
Check out https://semitechnic.com/ and connect with Reza on LinkedIn!
Reach out to Briggs and admin@briggsandco.ca or connect via instagram here!
In this episode of Leave Average for Joe, I sit down with Chad Midnight, founder of Aqueduct Water Systems, to explore how personal history can shape a powerful mission. Raised in Alberta, Canada, Chad grew up watching his father hustle in the restaurant business—learning firsthand the grit, discipline, and vision it takes to succeed at running your own company. But it was tragedy that gave his entrepreneurial drive its purpose: losing his mother at a young age due to contaminated water. That loss lit a fire that would become Aqueduct Water, a company committed to providing safe, clean water solutions. This is a conversation about resilience, legacy, and turning pain into impact. Chad talks about ways he calms his nerves through breath work, his recent experience in South Africa at the G20 YEA Summit, the books he likes to read and so much more.
Follow chads journey and his company here:
Sign up for the weekly newsletter here and follow us on instagram here!
Summary
In this episode, ultra runner Sarah Magyar shares her journey into the world of ultra running, detailing her experiences leading up to the Fat Dog 100K race. She discusses the challenges of training, the importance of mental resilience, and the role of nutrition and equipment in her preparation. Sarah emphasizes personal growth through overcoming obstacles and the significance of community and coaching in her running journey. The conversation concludes with reflections on future aspirations and the traits that contribute to success in ultra running.
How to connect?
--With Sarah: INSTAGRAM
---With Briggs: INSTAGRAM or EMAIL (admin@briggsandco.ca)
----Sign up for our weekly recap newsletter here: NEWSLETTER
In this episode, Briggs reflects on her journey as an entrepreneur, sparked by a personal comment from her mother. She discusses the dichotomy between pursuing one's passions and the societal pressure to seek stability through traditional jobs. Briggs emphasizes the illusion of safety in corporate jobs and the importance of adaptability and personal growth in entrepreneurship. She advocates for choosing fulfillment and independence over false security, encouraging listeners to embrace risk and creativity in their careers.
Liking the show? Share with a friend and follow us for weekly updates @leaveaverageforjoe
Sign up for weekly newsletter here!
(Re-release) In this episode, Lauren Richie shares her journey from a competitive dancer to a mental skills trainer, discussing the importance of mental health in the dance industry. She reflects on her early experiences, the dual identities dancers often navigate, and the significance of education and community in shaping a dancer's career. Lauren emphasizes the need for balance in a busy life and expresses optimism for the future of dance, highlighting the power of human connection and the impact of teaching.
Connect with Lauren on her website!
Subscribe to Briggs and Co Newsletter here and be sure to follow the LAFJ instagram to stay updated. If you like the show, please share with your community!
Summary
"At 26, I’ve narrowed down what I want and don’t want. I’ve figured out the people I like, and yes, the people I’d rather not have energy for. Most importantly—I had to own up to something big: what I thought was my lifelong dream, dancing on stages overseas and grinding in the thick of TV and film, isn’t at the core of who I am anymore. The whirlwind, the distance from friends and family…it used to feel worth it, but now? My priorities have shifted.
The episode serves as a reminder to embrace change, prioritize what truly matters, and live life beyond the mundane.
Takeaways
How can you connect with Briggs?
Email: admin@briggsandco.ca
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/leaveaverageforjoe/
Newsletter: https://briggsandco.ca/podcast-%7C-newsletter
In this conversation, Briggs Gibbins shares her journey of navigating new opportunities while grappling with imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and leaning on others for support, as well as the significance of setting ambitious goals and breaking them down into manageable steps. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on her personal experiences and the lessons learned from both successes and failures, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and remain authentic in their pursuits.
Takeaways
Connect with Briggs:
Email: admin@briggsandco.ca
Briggs and Co Dance Consulting
Keywords:
opportunities, imposter syndrome, collaboration, goal setting, personal growth, entrepreneurship, motivation, self-improvement, resilience, authenticity
In this episode Ron Szekely chats about his journey as a Certified Business Coach and former business executive. He has over 25 years experience building high-performing teams to drive revenue growth and profitability for a variety of businesses. From smaller founder-led companies to top tier multinationals and across a variety of industries, what remains constant is Ron’s ability to simplify, unify, and lead a team toward a common vision.
Ron first sharpened his business acumen and managerial discipline leading marketing, strategy and innovation in world-class companies like L’Oréal, Keurig and Sanofi. Its was there that he developed his passion for leadership and hunger for growth.
Ron then went on to create and lead his own successful startups and learned first-hand the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship and running his own companies.
The episode dives into:
How to connect with Ron?
How to connect with Briggs?
Website and sign up for newsletter!
Instagram:
In this conversation, Aryn Mott discusses their journey in the entertainment industry, focusing on their role as an intimacy coordinator and mental health advocate. They share insights on the importance of mental health in performance, the impact of travel on personal growth, and the evolution of intimacy coordination in the industry. Aryn emphasizes the need for safe spaces in storytelling and the significance of understanding the psychological aspects of performance.
Aryn is an educator at theVancouver Film School, teaching Empowered Actor and Intimacy for the Actor. Aryn is honoured to be a contributor to a chapter in an upcoming book on A History of Intimacy Professionals in Entertainment by Brooke M. Haney—out this August. You can order here. Aryn can be found through their website here. They can also be found on TikTok here .
Her book launches in the coming months so stay tuned! It's called Performing with Resilience: Mental Health and Wellness in the Entertainment Industry, will be published by Routledge in December.
Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
01:57 Aryn Mott's Professional Journey
04:21 Childhood and Early Influences
09:23 Navigating Neurodivergence and the Arts
14:37 High School and Early Career Aspirations
19:42 Post-High School Experiences and Travel
25:01 Cultural Exposure and Personal Growth
27:33 The Journey Through Acting School
29:56 Transitioning to Professional Acting
32:17 The Role of Intimacy Coordination
41:25 Mental Health in the Arts
46:06 Navigating Challenges in the Industry
47:55 Calming the Nervous System
54:04 Practical Tools for Anxiety Management
55:36 Food and Comfort: A Personal Touch
57:09 Exploring Hidden Gems in Vancouver
57:17 Content Consumption Preferences
57:37 Imagining Different Eras
58:43 The Power of Curiosity
In this conversation, Julian Caillon shares his journey into the world of Ironman competitions, reflecting on his personal growth and the shared experiences with his partner. He discusses the motivations behind his athletic pursuits, especially as he approaches a significant life milestone at 30 years old.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:29 Dance Journey and Competitions
11:12 Transitioning to Professional Dance
16:56 Mental Health and Self-Worth in Dance
22:29 Navigating Rejection and Building Resilience
27:04 The Importance of Education in Dance
30:59 Balancing Personal Life and Career
35:45 A Day in the Life of an Ironman Trainee
40:27 Wedding Plans and Future Aspirations
44:11 Lighthearted Rapid-Fire Questions
Stay Connected
Exploring the unknown is what I live for. I love throwing myself into things that give me butterflies, make me jump out of bed, and challenge me in every way possible. We often hear about the highlights of everyone's life, but rarely about the failures. If you're like me and seek out adventure, be ready for the pitfalls that come with it. I've had my fair share, and I know there are plenty more to come. That's why it's key to enjoy the journey.
This episode is my way of reintroducing myself. With so many new subscribers, I figured it's time to share a bit of my background. If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with anyone who loves a good adventure.
Every week, I sit down with a guest who challenges the status quo. Whether it's an entrepreneur, athlete, artist, or philosopher, I love chatting with people who inspire us to be better humans.
Feel free to connect with me through the following channels:
Website: www.briggsandco.ca
Email: admin@briggsandco.ca
In this special episode, I sit down with my dad for a wide-ranging conversation about life’s big moments and the little things that shape us. We revisit the first time I thought about death, and my dad shares his own experiences with grief and learning to let go. We talk about the reality of busy lives and the challenge of staying close to friends, the simple joys and lessons of gardening, and the fast-moving world of AI. We also reflect on the lost art of sewing, the discipline of triathlons, and a few unexpected topics in between. Join us for a heartfelt, honest look at what it means to grow, connect, and keep moving forward—together.
Connect we me on instagram, subscribe to the Friday newsletter , shop cool merch and share this with a friend if you enjoyed!
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dylan Ratzlaff—star of The Next Step and Amish Sin—for an honest conversation about the realities of the TV and film industry. Dylan shares behind-the-scenes stories from her breakout roles, opens up about the pressures and challenges of constant auditioning, and reveals how she found herself again after feeling worn down by the industry’s demands. Her journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and staying true to your passion.
Follow Dylan for more updates and inspiration
Connect with Briggs:
Instagram @briggs_and_co_
Website briggsandco.ca
This is a first-of-its-kind episode for the show! Every week I release a newsletter talking on 4 topics: Philosophy, Business, Sports and Entertainment. I chat about things i've learned, found interesting, struggled with, etc.
The newsletters are short and sweet. If you're a slow reader (like me), max 8 minutes. If you're speedy like mom, max 4 minutes. You can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking this link! Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this style of episode. Thank you SO much for your support, it means the world.
P.s. New Merch is HERE
Check out:
https://www.instagram.com/briggs_and_co_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@briggsandco
Shay Kuebler... the director, choreographer, martial artist, dad, business owner, visionary and athlete.
He is a dynamic force in the performing arts whose journey spans TV, film, live stage, and martial arts mastery. In this episode, we dive deep into Shay’s multifaceted career, exploring how his early roots in both theatre and Shito-Ryu Karate shaped his signature approach to choreography and show direction.
With an impressive portfolio as a choreographer, actor, dancer, and martial artist, Shay has brought his talents to major film and television projects, including roles and choreography for productions like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and See. His work as a show director and creative lead is defined by a commitment to making movement accessible and storytelling visceral, reaching audiences from high school gyms to international concert halls.
A central theme of our conversation is the profound impact of martial arts on character development. Shay shares how the discipline, respect, and perseverance embedded in martial arts-and inspired by the Bushido code-have not only honed his physical abilities but also shaped his values as a leader and collaborator. We discuss how these principles, such as integrity and mindfulness, translate into his creative process and his expectations for mutual respect within every team he leads.
Shay’s deep respect for his collaborators is unmistakable. He honors every artist he works with and expects the same in return, fostering an environment where creativity and trust can flourish. This ethos is at the heart of his current mission: building an all-encompassing performing arts program and launching a new fitness and wellness company designed to empower people through movement, discipline, and community.
Tune in to hear Shay’s insights on the intersection of martial arts and the arts, the importance of physical and mental balance, and why respect and connection are vital in both performance and life. Plus, get an exclusive look at the exciting new programs Shay is developing-initiatives that promise to redefine what it means to move, create, and thrive.
Thanks for tuning in!
Follow me on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/briggs_and_co_/or check out the website and subscribe to my newsletter: www.briggsandco.ca
Check out the new Briggs and Co website and subscribe to the weekly newsletter: www.briggsandco.ca
I’m thrilled to welcome Michelle Bibeau-a physiotherapist whose unique approach blends clinical expertise with her deep roots in dance and pilates.
Michelle’s story is as dynamic as her practice. From her early days as a competitive dancer in Ontario to performing on cruise ships around the world, she’s experienced firsthand the physical demands of dance. Her move from Ontario to Alberta marked a new chapter, where she now channels her experience into helping others recover, move, and thrive. Michelle specializes in using pilates to complement her physiotherapy assessments and rehab programs, providing tailored care for dancers, athletes, and anyone looking to rebuild strength and mobility.
We’ll dive into her work in the dance industry, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to empowering people on their recovery journeys. Plus, we’re excited to share some big news-Michelle is part of the newly launched Briggs & Co website, a fresh platform bringing together her expertise, resources, and services for a wider community.
Whether you’re a dancer, a movement enthusiast, or simply curious about innovative rehab strategies, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Follow her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/beebo.dance.physio?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
▪️Physio/Clinical Pilates @movementfirstphysio
▪️Dance Instructor @motivesdanceandfitness
▪️Creater of @made.by.beebo @uniquelyyours.firstdance
Check out the new Briggs and Co website and subscribe to the weekly newsletter: www.briggsandco.ca
@neelysgracey joined me on the pod 🎙️
Welcome back to Leave Average for Joe, the podcast where we dive deep with extraordinary people who are breaking molds, challenging the status quo, and offering real-world wisdom for anyone ready to leave “average” behind.
This week, host Briggs sits down with a guest who truly embodies what it means to push boundaries-on the track, in business, and in life. From Colorado, please welcome Neely Spence Gracey: Olympic Trials qualifying runner, soon-to-be mom of three boys, business owner (@getrunningcoaching), running coach, and co-author of Breakthrough Women’s Running.
Neely’s story is nothing short of remarkable. She’s a four-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, the top American finisher at the 2016 Boston Marathon, and a world record holder for the fastest stroller mile-clocking an incredible 5:24 while pushing her son around the track in Denver. As the founder of Get Running Coaching, Neely has helped over a thousand athletes chase their own breakthroughs. Her journey weaves together elite-level competition, entrepreneurship, and motherhood, all while inspiring a new generation of runners to dream bigger and run bolder.
In this episode, Neely shares the lessons learned from her record-breaking pursuits, how she balances training with family and business, and why she believes anyone-no matter where they start-can break through their own barriers. Whether you’re a runner, a parent, or just someone looking to leave “average” in the dust, Neely’s insights and personal stories will light a fire under your goals.
So lace up, get inspired, and join us as we welcome Neely Spence Gracey to Leave Average for Joe.
You can also sign up for my weekly newsletter at briggsandco.ca for exclusive insights, updates, and resources to help you keep leaving average behind. Stay connected with me on socials at @briggs_and_co_ or, if you’re feeling old school, send a courier pigeon-okay, just an email-to admin@briggsandco.ca.
Thanks again for listening. Keep pushing boundaries, keep breaking the mold, and as always-leave average for Joe!
Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt episode you won’t want to miss! Special guest: Deven Kawa, former Team Canada BMX racer (and the love of my life!) We cover the following:
Behind the scenes of elite BMX training: what it really takes to compete at the highest level
Honest conversation about supporting each other’s ambitions and wild endeavours
The importance of maintaining individuality within a relationship
Real talk, personal stories, and plenty of laughs along the way
Deven lives a fairly private life, so there's no links to share BUT...check out the family business (for anyone that needs a transmission)!
Dev, thank you for your support and sticking by my side throughout this thing we call life xoxo
In this episode of Leave Average for Joe, we sit down with serial artist and former school teacher turned successful independent photographer, Bethany Grace. Beth shares her journey of navigating a sticky identity crisis after leaving the profession she was widely known for, the impact of her parents’ divorce, and her quirky obsession with disc golf. We also dive into the adorable story of how she met her husband at the local cinema (cue the Landmark Cinema baseball cap), her impressive ability to juggle a packed photography schedule between weddings, engagements, and family sessions, and the three-year saga of planning her wedding during COVID. At the heart of it all, Beth reveals her simple yet profound life goal: to be content with the people she loves and the work she creates. Equal parts inspiring and hilarious, Beth is an angel—and a laugh. Listeners, enjoy!
Find Beth on instagram: @b.ethanygrace
Visit Beth's website: bgracecreatives.ca
When it comes to breaking molds and achieving the unimaginable, @kristina__botelho is one for the records‼️ Things we touch on in the episode 👇
• Becoming a mom at 16 years old
• Going back to school while raising kids on her own
• Starting her own Quiznos franchise
• Setting her eyes on a corporate position in the company and not quitting till she got it (all by 25 years old)
• Branching off to work for companies like @boosterjuice and consulting for @businesslinkab
• Taking the leap of faith and launching a health conscious restaurant called KB & Co
Please welcome the honourable, KB from @kbandcompany