CREATE - The Podcast

Connie DeSousa & John Jackson: The Art of Food, Business & Partnership | CREATE - The Podcast

John Jackson and Connie DeSousa are the chef-founders and co-owners of CHAR Hospitality Group, one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, with more than 10 restaurants across Alberta and British Columbia. Known for their commitment to local food, community building, and culinary innovation, John and Connie have spent more than two decades helping shape Calgary's food scene. Inspired by their experiences working around the world and at the legendary Chez Panisse, they returned home to create CHARCUT and a hospitality culture rooted in connection and collaboration. Beyond the restaurant world, they are passionate mentors, endurance athletes, and lifelong learners. Connie is also well known for her appearances on Food Network Canada, where she has helped showcase Canadian chefs and cuisine to audiences across the country. In this episode of CREATE, John and Connie share insights on entrepreneurship, partnership, resilience, and building a life around passion, purpose, and community. Guest: * Connie Desousa [connie.desousa@charcut.com]: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/conniedesousa/?hl=en]  * John Jackson: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chefjohnjackson/?hl=en]  * Charcut: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charcut/?hl=en] | Website [https://www.charcut.com/]  Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Bethany Ross: Feeding Kids, Building Hope | CREATE - The Podcast

Bethany Ross is the Executive Director of Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, a community-driven organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to the food they need to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in the charitable and human services sector, Bethany has built her career around bringing people together to create meaningful change. Since joining Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids more than a decade ago, she has helped grow a movement powered by volunteers, donors, schools, businesses, and community members who believe that no child should go hungry. Known as a thoughtful leader, problem-solver, and community builder, Bethany is passionate about creating dignified and accessible solutions for families facing food insecurity. On this episode of CREATE, Bethany shares insights on leadership, community impact, the power of collective action, and how small acts of kindness can come together to create extraordinary change for kids and families. Guest: * Bethany Ross: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyanneross/]  * Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bb4ck/?hl=en] | Website [https://bb4ck.org/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Kim Lawton: Crafting Community in the Okanagan | CREATE - The Podcast

Kim Lawton is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and passionate advocate for craft beer, wine, tourism, and small business. As the owner of DogLeg Marketing & Business Solutions and Marketing Director for both Cannery Brewing and Fort Berens Estate Winery, she has spent nearly three decades helping brands tell their stories, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their communities. Kim began her career with major consumer brands before launching her own marketing consultancy in the Okanagan in 2006. She is widely recognized for her contributions to British Columbia's craft beer industry, including helping create the Penticton Ale Trail and Penticton Beer Blocks. Beyond her professional work, Kim and her husband are the creators of Hidden Gems of BC, a passion project dedicated to discovering and showcasing unique destinations, businesses, and experiences throughout the province. On this episode of CREATE, Kim shares lessons on entrepreneurship, marketing, relationship building, community, and the power of shining a spotlight on others. Guest: * Kim Lawton: * Cannery Brewing:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cannerybrewing/?hl=en]  * Hidden Gems of BC: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemsofbc/?hl=en] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Tannis Baker - Building Community Through Food Culture | CREATE - The Podcast

Tannis Baker is the co-founder of Food Tourism Strategies and one of Canada’s leading advocates for culinary and agritourism. Through initiatives like Terroir Symposium and Alberta Open Farm Days, she helps connect chefs, farmers, foragers, producers, and communities through food, culture, and storytelling.  Named one of Alberta Venture Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Albertans, Tannis is passionate about showcasing Alberta’s incredible ingredients and helping build meaningful food experiences that strengthen local communities and tourism.  On this episode of the CREATE Podcast, we explore collaboration, culinary tourism, and the power of food to bring people together.  Guest: * Tannis Baker:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tannis_baker/] | Terroir Symposium [https://www.terroirsymposium.com/] | Food Tourism Strategies [https://foodtourismstrategies.com/index.html] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannis-baker-b8bb8740/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Greater Than Fear: Cory Davison’s Journey of Reinvention | CREATE - The Podcast

Cory Davison is an entrepreneur, author, and community builder who has rebuilt her life and career with purpose. Born in Honduras and now based in Calgary, she is the founder of 4Xperience and creator of The 4X Method, helping organizations break down silos and align their customer, employee, brand, and product experiences for growth. She is also the founder of SHE Community, a platform supporting women entrepreneurs through connection and growth. Through her work and upcoming book Greater Than Fear, Cory shares a powerful belief: fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher. At her core, Cory is driven by curiosity, creativity, and helping others grow with clarity and courage. Guest: * Cory Davison:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/corydavison4x/] | The 4X Method - Website [http://4xperience.com] | SHE Community Website [https://she-community.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corydavison/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]