Icebreakers: A conversation about Canadian and Eurasian business (CECC)
Explore every episode of Icebreakers: A conversation about Canadian and Eurasian business
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Oct 2021 | 'The Apollo Murders' with Chris Hadfield | 00:46:25 | |
CERBA is hosting an exceptional guest on this episode of IceBreakers: a heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot - Colonel Chris Hadfield. Chris is an astounding pioneer of many historic "firsts": the first astronaut to operate Canadarm in space, the first Canadian to board and pilot a Russian "Soyuz" spacecraft, the first and only Canadian ever to command an International Space Station (so far). Chris is sharing his stories about living, working and playing music in space, his life in Russia and being an influencer. He is also talking about his new book, "The Apollo Murders" - an exceptional Cold War thriller from the dark heart of the Space Race, described as "Nail-biting" by James Cameron, another Canadian star, the writer and director of Avatar and Titanic. Related Links to the episode: Chris Hadfield - "The Apollo Murders" Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Chris Hadfield 2:08 Is Chris Hadfield an influencer? 4:14 Music is everywhere (including the Space Station) 5:36 "Menya zovut Chris Hadfield" - studying orbital mechanics in Russian 9:13 What do astronauts do before launch? 12:28 Enriching life in Russian apartment 14:45 Life in space 20:44 "The Apollo Murders" - an exciting journey to an alternate past 24:43 The mission that never really happened or did it? 32:58 Back to the gravity 36:46 Democratizing space travel 40:14 How to land a "Soyuz" 41:30 What made Chris a leader? 42:01 What does the future hold for Chris Hadfield? 43:24 Will Nathan lose his moon estate? 45:44 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 05 Feb 2022 | Reinvention with Nathan Hunt | 00:53:55 | |
We’re turning the tables on Nathan Hunt today - the host for the ICE/Breakers Podcast - making him the interviewee. Nathan is a Yale University graduate, summa cum laude, and a former Russia Director of the Canadian meat and dairy traders, Ronald A. Chisholm Limited. Nathan is one of the founders of CERBA and has chaired its Moscow Chapter since its inception. He’s sharing his experience of living and doing business in rapidly changing Russia reinventing himself and discovering new potential throughout two and a half decades in the country. Related links: Timeline: 0:00 Intro 1:19 Setting the stage 2:17 80s and early 90s speculating on cassette tapes in Russia 4:40 Chicken purchase gone afoul 7:30 Pivoting to the Canadian angle 10:00 Late 90s/early 2000s: Pioneering new sources of meat to Russia 12:10 CBAR inception 13:58 Time when Russia favoured Canada 15:30 Lada imports from the USSR to Canada 17:58 Punching above our weight: CERBA story 23:46 2008 recession and new beginnings 25:36 Early 2010s: CERBA expansion to Vancouver and Kazakhstan 29:00 Hollywood Hunt: Larry King, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher 31:41 Let’s be honest: Jean Charest meeting with Yuri Luzhkov 35:15 Business diplomacy 37:26 “Russia – a lousy place to do business, a great place to make money” 38:59 “Harper, Putin to star in 1972 Summit Series rematch” 44:00 The challenges and opportunities of the pandemic and climate change 47:04 What does the future hold for Nathan Hunt? 51:32 What made Nathan a leader? Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 24 Dec 2021 | “On Leadership” with Margaret Skok | 00:39:03 | |
Today we are joined by the former Canadian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (2006-2009) – Honourable Margaret Skok. Margaret started her career with the RCMP Canada, as well as served with Global Affairs Canada at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (1991 – 1994). She is sharing her experiences of unlocking Eurasian markets to Canadian businesses, the role of women in Central Asia, mobilizing change in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Canada’s place in the international nuclear strategy. Related Links
Timeline 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Margaret Skok 1:36 Merry Christmas and Happy New Years: Julian and Gregorian Calendars 2:05 Background: From WWII Poland on Queen Elizabeth through Pier 1 in Halifax to Saskatchewan 3:05 Career launch in federal public service 4:07 Joining AG Canada 5:20 Moscow 1991 - 1994 7:11 Farms in Russia and in the West 12:31 Coup in Aug 1991 13:57 “Le Chateau Montebello” in Yakutia 15:10 Elections and difficult transformations in Ukraine and Belarus 17:24 Becoming an Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan 19:20 Mobilizing change 20:17 The New Way – reforms in Kazakhstan 21:15 Gold and education in Kyrgyzstan 24:00 Tajikistan: women in AG 26:00 His Highness the Aga Khan 26:40 Role of women in business – Central Asia 28:31 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 31:50 Canada and international nuclear strategy 34:11 What made Margaret a leader? 36:30 What does the future hold for Margaret? 37:30 Special thank you notes 38:28 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 13 Sep 2021 | Hockey Diplomacy with Vladislav Tretiak | 00:30:20 | |
In this exciting episode of IceBreakers, Nathan Hunt hosts Vladislav Tretiak, Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, three-time Olympic hockey champion in 1972, 76 and 84 years; the winner of multiple Worlds Cup Championships and the "best hockey player of the 20th century" titleholder. Related links to this episode: CERBA annual Christmas Charity Auction with Vladislav Tretiak 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Vladislav Tretiak 1:36 A hockey player, not a pilot 3:30 Vladislav's career influencers 3:58 How to marry a girl in 5 days 7:05 First visit to Canada 9:24 USSR hockey team success recipe 10:10 Superseries 1972 11:33 Why Globe and Mail sports journalist ate host article 12:22 The most memorable moments playing against Canadians 16:30 Why Vladislav didn't play for Montreal Canadians 19:01 New challenges as an Olympic team coach 19:51 Meritorious Service Award 21:20 Vladislav Tretiak's Charity foundation 23:52 Becoming a member of a Parlament 24:55 Do Canadians and Russians differ a lot? 25:50 What made Vladislav a leader 26:28 What does the future hold for Vladislav? 27:44 New Tretiak at the gates? 28:59 Conclusion Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ | |||
| 01 Jul 2022 | 'Seizing an opportunity in Kazakhstan' with Darren Klinck | 00:33:48 | |
We are excited to host Mr. Darren Klinck today, President and Director at the Arras Minerals – a Canadian junior mining & exploration company operating in Kazakhstan. Darren has extensive international experience in mining, having raised over 800 million for the projects globally including Guatemala, Laos, Australia, New Zeeland and Myanmar. He is sharing his personal stories about growing up in rural Alberta, getting involved in mining and capital markets, founding the first ever Canadian junior mining company in Kazakhstan and providing a piece of advice for Canadian investors considering Eurasia. Related links: Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022 (KCBC) Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Darren Klinck 01:26 Growing up in rural Alberta 02:30 Close encounter in snowy Sierra, Northern Mexico 06:03 Headhunters in the Philippines 06:54 From Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw 08:52 Gold Rush in South Carolina 11:32 Getting excited over an opportunity in Kazakhstan 12:44 Similarities to Canada 13:58 Western approach to doing business 15:30 Do investors feel comfortable? Perceptions 17:30 Attracting more junior miners to Kazakhstan 19:45 Crisis management 22:00 Going public 25:46 Advice for Canadian investors 26:53 Enchanting and eclectic Nur-Sultan 28:22 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council 2022 29:25 Fundraising insights 30:39 What made Darren a leader? 31:27 What does the future hold? 32:45 Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | Business diplomacy with Lou Naumovski | 00:54:42 | |
In this episode, Nathan and Lou Naumovski, former Vice President and Director-General of the Kinross gold Moscow office, discuss Lou's professional journey from the Trade Commission Service to the leading positions at EBRD, Visa International and Kinross Gold. Lou is sharing stories and the lessons learnt when working in the Russian market and reflecting on how to influence change through doing business in a sovereign country. Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ Related links to this episode: 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Introducing Lou Naumovski 1:46 - Moving from Macedonia to Canada 4:06 - How the Soviet Union was perceived in Canada in 70s-80s 5:42 - Trade Commissioner Service - AG file 10:46 - Working in Soviet Moscow 14:20 - Reforming VISA in Russia 17:31 - Introducing electronic payments 22:05 - Improving Russian legislation: credit cards 23:23 - Joining Kinross Gold to add value 29:27 - Investing in the Russian mining sector 36:31 - Contribution to the mining legislation38:40 - You don't learn until you make mistakes 46:26 - Work-life balance 51:52 - What made Lou a leader? 52:54 - What does the future hold for Lou Naumovski? 53:45 - Conclusion | |||
| 12 Aug 2022 | 'Uzbekistan: New Era of Opportunity' with Eldor Mannopov | 00:38:26 | |
Join us on a journey through the heart of Central Asia and the birthplace of 1001 Arabian Nights - the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visit Tashkent and Navoi, Khiva and Samarkand, Kyzylkum and Aralkum deserts - all through the eyes of the Canadian Honorary Consul of Canada in Uzbekistan and Managing Partner at Dentons Uzbekistan - Mr. Eldor Mannopov. In this episode, we discuss the progressive reforms and improvements introduced by the government of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in support of the foreign business, Uzbek's extraordinary hospitality and personal experiences living and working in the country. Related links to this episode: Timeline: 00:40 Intro 00:50 Considering an “honorable profession” 04:26 Merging with Dentons 05:10 Landmark M&A: privatization of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan 06:21 Gosplan years 08:23 President Merziyoyev era 9:51 Monetary policy reform 14:33 Tax reform: stable and transparent regime 17:31 Public procurement laws and e-government innovations 20:23 1001 Arabian Night stories' birthplace 21:51 Mining industry reform in Uzbekistan 27:27 Foreign investors in Uzbekistan mining 30:13 Desert fishing with Ambassador John Kur 32:22 6 million tons of cotton and the death of the Aral Sea: ESG solutions 34:46 Extraordinary hospitality of Uzbek people 36:26 Goals-based living 36:52 What does the future hold for Eldor? 37:23 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||
| 02 Sep 2022 | 'A merit-based education system in Kazakhstan' with Jean-François Caron | 00:48:21 | |
Today we’re hosting Dr. Jean-François Caron, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he teaches Political Theory. Dr. Caron has authored 6 monographs and more than 20 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. Jean-François shares a story of his career development in a cross-national perspective, forming family, teaching and living in Kazakhstan. He also elaborates on principles and admission criteria in the Nazarbayev University, as well as discusses State Scholarship Opportunities for foreign students. Related links to this episode: Timeline: 0:40 – Introducing Jean-François Caron 2:18 – Early life integration into educational environment 3:41 – English-based teaching in Nazarbayev University 4:59 – From Plato to Francisco Nguema 7:45 – From Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to affiliate work in Poland 9:41 – Meeting significant other on a 1st day in Kazakhstan 12:43 – Merit-based admission to Nazarbayev University 16:15 – hard work is always gets paid off 18:57 – The logic of meritocracy 24:17 – Adjusting to virtual environment 29:27 – Tapping into technology 30:37 – Subtleties of the Kazakh language 33:54 – Kazakh wedding traditions 35:52 – Canada-Kazakhstan cooperation opportunities in education 39:20 – Foreign students at Nazarbayev University 41:05 – What made Dr.Caron a leader? 42:46 – What does the future hold for Dr.Caron? 44:29 – Kazakh hospitality 47:22 – Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||
| 14 Jan 2022 | A Blueliner's Path to Kazakhstan with Darren Dietz | 00:31:54 | |
In today's episode of Icebreakers, we welcome Darren Dietz, Canadian-born, former "Barys Nur-Sultan" team captain and current Russian CSKA hockey player. After a successful transition to "Barys" and KHL League, he became a national treasure among Kazakh fans and was awarded a KHL Defenseman of the Year in 2018/2019. Darren shares his professional hockey journey throughout the NHL and KHL leagues, as well as his experience living in the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also discusses international sports cooperation opportunities between Canada and Eurasia and his latest transition to the CSKA Moscow. Related Links: Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Introducing Darren Dietz 01:49 What is it like living in Kazakhstan? 03:24 Alberta and "Medicine Hat Tigers" Team 05:00 Drafted by Montreal Canadiens - Dream Come True! 06:00 New experiences in KHL 09:09 Greetings from Barys Team 10:35 Becoming a Kazakh hockey legend and Team Captain 13:24 Speaking Russian 16:40 Fast-forward transition to CSKA Red Army team 20:50 Darren the "Ptichka!" 21:58 Reciting "Zimnee Utro" by Pushkin at All-Stars KHL event 24:00 Common traits between Canadians, Kazakhs and Russians 25:27 On perspectives between NHL and KHL 28:05 50th Anniversary of Canada and USSR Superseries 29:10 What made Darren a leader? 29:55 What does the future hold for Darren Dietz? 30:48 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 03 Dec 2021 | 'We - The North' with Valerii Maximov | 00:35:09 | |
IceBreakers welcomes Valerii Maximov, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Russian Federation in Canada, former Minister of Economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and Advisor to the President of the Republic. Valerii will share the stories about the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) - the world's largest administrative and territorial subdivision, a homeland for such known start-ups as InDriver and MyTona. We will also learn more about Yakut language and culture, success stories of cooperation with Canada and how the Canadian North is similar to that of Russia. Related Links Russian Trade Mission to Canada Timeline 00:00 intro 00:42 Introducing Valerii Maximov 1:48 5 X France Territory 4:33 Career path 7:53 $100,000 question about Canada - Yakutia cooperation 9:46 The Sakha People 10:39 Why Canada? 11:52 The Nothern Forum 13:30 Canadians in Yakutia 14:36 Canada – Norway 16:29 Spring-like weather of -35 in Yellowknife 18:48 First Nations routes 21:52 Bisons don't mind the virus 24:21 More multinational projects in the Arctic needed 26:03 The Polar Express project 2025 27:51 Yakutian creativity, mining and unmanned electric vehicles 31:22 What does the future hold for Canada and Russia? 32:52 What made Valerii Maximov a leader? 33:35 What does the future hold for Valerii? 34:25 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 21 Jul 2021 | Share the good, learn from the best with Paul Fast | 00:41:45 | |
In the new episode of IceBreakers, Nathan hosts Mr. Paul Fast, a founder of the well-known Vancouver structural engineering company, Fast+Epp. Paul is an award-winning engineer, designer, philanthropist. He and his brother Ed Fast, former Minister of International Trade and Asia-Pacific Gateway of Canada, were granted honorary citizens of Millerovo County in the Rostov Region, Russia, during their trip there in 2013. With the family routes going back to 1920s Germany and Russia, Paul has reconnected with the region and founded an orphanage for the kids in need. In addition to establishing the Memorial Foundation, the Fast family entered into an agreement with the Mayor of Millerovo which grants a 6-week internship in one of Fast+Epp engineering offices to the local Millerovo design competition winners associated with the Corporate Social Responsibility Forum. Nathan and Paul also discuss Paul's professional achievements in construction engineering, his work with sustainable materials, timber innovations and the noblest projects like Richmond Olympic Oval for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ 0:00 – Intro 0:41 - Introducing Paul Fast 1:42 - Where does Fast family came from? 7:32 - Charity work in the South of Russia 13:01 - Memorial Foundation activities in Millerovo 21:00 – Timber-hybrid engineering construction projects 18:58 - What Craig loves about Russians 23:34 - How tall wood buildings can be? 26:23 - 2010 Winter Olympics Richmond Oval project 32:01 - Gold Medal engineering award 34:06 - How to make cables out of wood 36:01 - What made Paul Fast a leader? 38:28 - What does the future hold for Paul? 40:54 - Conclusion | |||
| 13 Sep 2021 | Хоккейная Дипломатия с Владиславом Третьяком | 00:29:56 | |
Мы рады представить вашему вниманию подкаст Icebreakers - единственный подкаст о деловом и культурном сотрудничестве между Канадой и странами Евразии. Гость нашего нового выпуска - Владислав Третьяк, заслуженный мастер спорта СССР, трехкратный олимпийский чемпион, Президент Федерации Хоккея России и обладатель звания "Лучший хоккеист 20го века". 00:00 Вступление 00:48 Представляем Владислава Третьяка 1:43 Стать хоккеистом, а не пилотом 3:34 Кто оказал наибольшее влияние на спортивную карьеру Владислава 4:02 Как жениться на девушке за 5 дней 7:00 Первый визит в Канаду 9:22 Секрет успеха сборной СССР по хоккею 10:02 Суперсерии 1972г. 11:18 Почему спортивный журналист Globe and Mail съел свою статью 13:11 Самые запоминающиеся моменты игры против канадцев 16:07 Почему Владислав не играл за Montreal Canadians 18:30 Новые вызовы тренера Олимпийской сборной 19:15 Награды за выдающиеся заслуги 20:56 Благотворительный фонд Владислава Третьяка 23:26 Стать членом парламента 24:30 Сильно ли отличаются канадцы и русские? 25:23 Что сделало Владислава лидером? 26:02 Что ждет Владислава в будущем? 27:02 Новый Третьяк у ворот? 28:28 Заключение В эпизоде также упоминается: Ежегодный благотворительный аукцион CERBA с Владиславом Третьяком >> Все подробности по сотрудничеству и спонсорским пакетам доступны по следующей ссылке >> | |||
| 07 Jul 2021 | Bringing Coca-Cola and Cirque du Soleil to 'Mother Russia' with Craig Cohon | 00:40:29 | |
On this episode of Icebreakers, Nathan sits down with Craig Cohon, a London-based businessman, entrepreneur and investor, and the Chief Strategy Officer at ApiJect. Craig was first exposed to Canada-Russia trade 45 years ago at the age of 13, when his father, the founder and senior chairman of McDonald’s Canada and McDonald’s Russia, met with the Soviet Delegation in Montreal. Later, Craig volunteered for the weighty task of bringing Coca-Cola to the former Soviet Union during the 1990s. During the episode, Nathan and Craig discuss the process of introducing Coca-Cola to the area while it was undergoing major cultural and political upheaval to become Russia as we know it today. They also discuss Craig’s experiences carrying the torch during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, and bringing Cirque du Soleil to Russia. Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ 0:00 – Intro 0:39 - Introducing Craig Cohon 1:29 - How it all started 2:02 - Coca-Cola launch adventure in the USSR 12:19 - Bringing Cirque du Soleil to Russia 15:08 – Language barrier 18:58 - What Craig loves about Russians 23:44 - Visiting Sochi Olympics in 2014 28:04 - Contributing to nuclear disarmament 31:38 - Backstage stories 33:46 - Why Canadians and Russians have to work together 34:54 - Outstanding birthday celebration 37:14 - What made Craig a leader? 37:50 - When Craig will come back to Russia 39:42 - Conclusion | |||
| 01 Oct 2021 | Our Man in Moscow with Gilles Breton | 00:34:49 | |
Nathan Hunt is joined by Gilles Breton - a former Canadian diplomat and a current CERBA National Chair. Gilles has served three assignments at the Canadian Embassy in Moscow and shares some great stories about his experience working in Russia during the Cold War; a 25,000km trip across the Soviet Union, heading CERBA and Canada-Russia Business Council. Related links to the episode: Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) Russia Canada Business Council (RCBC) Timeline 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Gilles Breton 1:41 Meeting Robert Ford and the first posting 3:43 Mr.Costakis' Fine Arts collection 7:52 Living in Soviet Moscow as a Canadian Diplomat 10:35 Alexander Yakovlev speech writing power 13:20 The art of the Communist Party discussions 14:45 First visit of the Canadian Prime Minister to Russia 17:54 "Fire!" with CTV news 20:24 25,000km across the USSR 21:39 visiting the Baltic States 22:56 A magical rediscovery of Moscow 26:24 Becoming CERBA National Chair 28:14 Canada Russia Business Council 29:19 What are the greatest opportunities for Canada-Eurasia economic cooperation? 31:38 What made Gilles a leader? 32:14 What does the future hold for Gilles? 33:46 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 26 May 2021 | East by Far East with Ilya Lagutenko | 00:43:59 | |
On this episode of Icebreakers, Nathan is joined by Ilya Lagutenko, the founder and lead-singer of Russia’s most popular and influential bands – Mumiy Troll - an accomplished and influential musician who has not only won accolades like GQ’s Musician of the Year, but has also had significant influence on the music, clothes, hairstyles and behaviour of Russian youth. Nathan and Ilya discuss his history growing up in Russia and becoming a musician, his views on the evolution of Eurasian culture, producing a Montreal-based singer and his passion projects such as the music and arts festival he created, Vladivostok Rocks (V-ROX). Icebreakers is produced by the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA), an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. Learn more about CERBA here: The Episode Features:
0:39 - Introducing Ilya Lagutenko 1:26 - When did Ilya begin to sing? 9:59 - Performance on Eurovision 2001 12:49 - Performance in Greenland 18:22 - V-ROX international festival 14:41 - Education and visit to China 22:44 - How Ilya educated people about tigers 25:16 - Impressions of Canada 31:29 - Canada based project with the Montreal singer 34:58 - Communication with fans during the pandemic 40:00 - PSV bootcamp 42:37 - Conclusion | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | Future Ambition, Probable Fate with Alison LeClaire | 00:36:49 | |
On this episode of Icebreakers, Nathan is joined by Alison LeClaire, Canadian Ambassador to Russia, Armenia, and Uzbekistan. They discuss Alison’s career history and path to becoming a diplomat, dating all the way back to high school when she noted her future ambition was to be an ambassador. Since then, the diplomatic landscape has changed; Alison and Nathan explore these changes and also reflect on Alison’s experiences in Moscow, Sweden, on the Arctic file and all around the world. Alison also breaks down her perception of some of the inherent similarities Canadians share with Russians, Armenians and Uzbeks; including Northern identity (Russia), hope and energy for building the future (Uzbeks), pride in cultural legacy and heritage (Armenia), and so much more, before discussing business and trade. Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Introducing H.E. Alison LeClaire 1:20 - How H.E. Alison LeClaire became a diplomat 3:57 - How the diplomatic landscape has changed since 1987 6:05 - The most interesting adventure stories 8:20 - Prime Ministerial visits in Sweden 10:59 - Meeting with Vladimir Putin and prominent Russians 12:28 - Impact of the pandemic on business, cultural exchange and diplomatic relations 15:05 - What Vladislav Tretyak is like 17:23 - Similarities between Canadians and Russians, Uzbeks and Armenians 21:45 - Supporting business during the pandemic 23:57 - Why Canada and Russia need to cooperate in the Arctic 27:11 - How the Canadian Arctic differs from the Russian Arctic 30:40 - Arctic - area of mutual cooperation 33:15 - What made H.E. Alison LeClaire a leader 34:26 - Priorities in life and hopes for the future 35:47 - Conclusion | |||
| 12 Nov 2021 | The Valdai Story with Piotr Dutkiewicz | 00:35:53 | |
Today we welcome CERBA's old friend and its National Board member - Mr. Piotr Dutkiewicz, to the IceBreakers Podcast. Piotr is a Professor of Political Science and former Director of the Institute of European and Russian Studies at Carleton University. He is also an author of 16 books and a current Valdai Club member, a group of forty world-renowned experts on Russia. Piotr is sharing stories about his family, living and studying in Russia, moving to Canada, "Golden time" in Canada-Russia relations, teaching at Carleton University and the areas of prospective cooperation between our countries. Related Links to the Episode Canada Russia Business Council 2021 Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Introducing Piotr Dutkiewicz 1:42 Cultural shock 5:13 Trademark of Russian culture 6:44 Three letters to Oxford, Berkeley or Queens 9:05 "Golden times" of European and Russian Institute at Carleton 11:23 Deal with Russia "As Is" 13:33 Global challenges - global responses 16:57 Teaching at Carleton University 21:20 CIDA projects 24:17 Cooperate, not collide 28:31 What is Valdai Club Foundation? 33:19 What made Piotr a leader? 34:10 What does the future hold for Piotr 35:14 Conclusion Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 18 May 2023 | "Building Bridges from Canada to Kazakhstan" with Tim Gitzel | 00:44:13 | |
In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Tim Gitzel, the President and CEO of Cameco Corporation, the world's largest uranium producer. With over 25 years of senior management and legal experience in Canadian and international uranium mining, Mr. Gitzel has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with our listeners. As the Honorary Council of Kazakhstan to Saskatchewan and a Board member of various prestigious organizations including the World Nuclear Association and the Kazakhstan - Canada Business Council, Mr. Gitzel provides valuable insights on the transformation of Kazakhstan's mining industry and what makes the country an attractive destination for foreign investors. Related links to this episode: Kazakhstan Canada Business Council (KCBC) Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:36 - Introducing Tim Gitzel 1:56 Growing up in communities of Northern Saskatchewan 2:59 Hockey passion and a call that never comes 4:30 Breaking into the uranium industry 7:06 Uranium 2011: from ‘’sky-high” to “now what?” 10:44 Cameco, as the largest industrial employer of Indigenous people 13:14 Expanding to Kazakhstan market 16:07 Modernization of Kazakhstan’s mining sector 18:00 Adapting to JORC code principles 19:03 Cameco-Kazatomprom joint venture 21:46 Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Saskatchewan 24:33 Meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan 27:49 Political leadership of the government of Kazakhstan 30:22 Mr. Gitzel’s advice on entering the Kazakhstan market 33:35 Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KCBC) 38:11 What made Tim Gitzel a leader? 40:09 What does the future hold for Tim Gitzel? 43:34 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | Breaking the Ice with Stockwell Day | 00:39:25 | |
On the inaugural episode of Icebreakers, Nathan is joined by Stockwell Day, an accomplished politician with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Stockwell reflects on his experiences visiting Eurasia during times of unprecedented, unparalleled change, in the early nineties, as things were “breaking open” and influencing the good, the bad, and the ugly of social and economic transformation. They also discuss business opportunities between Canada and Eurasia and how we can prioritize business relations in a way that builds a mindful and ethical future. Icebreakers is produced by the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA), an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia.
Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/
0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Introducing Honourable Stockwell Day 1:36 - First impressions of Eurasian countries 3:35 - Meeting with the first Russian president: Boris Yeltsin 6:15 - Visiting post Soviet Moscow 13:40 - Interaction with Russian military 15:29 - First visit to Kazakhstan 18:28 - Opportunities for Canadian business in Eurasian countries 30:02 - Advice for Canadian investors investing in Russia and Eurasia 32:22 - Priority number one in life 33:18 - What made Stockwell Day a leader 37:15 – Conclusion | |||
| 23 Jun 2021 | The Hermetic Art of Kazakhstan with Frank Albo | 00:44:57 | |
On this episode of Icebreakers, Nathan is joined by “Canada’s Dan Brown”: Frank Albo. Albo is a Canadian architectural historian, the academic inspiration behind The Hermetic Code and the author of Astana: Architecture, Myth, and Destiny. Albo is responsible for extensive research into the Freemasonic and Hermetic symbolism of the Manitoba Legislative Building and has spent the last decade leading Hermetic Code Tours through the Manitoba Legislative Building, which more than 25,000 have taken. On today’s episode, Nathan and Frank explore how freemasonry uses architecture as a vehicle for moral, spiritual and ethical illumination and Albo’s reflections on Astana, freemasonry and the Canadian connection. Learn more about CERBA here: https://www.cerbanet.org/ 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Introducing Frank Albo 1:45 - Freemasonic architecture tradition in Canada 7:47 - Announcing Kazakhstan's arrival on the world stage 11:50 - Core principles of Astana/Nur-Sultan architecture 23:43 - Astana: The Eurasian Disney 35:06 - Unique element of Kazakh nomadic life 39:56 - Parallels between Canadian and Astana architecture 42:42 - What made Frank Albo a leader? 43:28 - Greatest priorities in life 43:56 - Conclusion | |||
| 22 Apr 2022 | Can-do Attitude Globally with Don Streu | 00:40:22 | |
It’s time to hear words of wisdom from our honoured guest and oil and gas expert, Mr. Don Streu, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta and President, CEO and Director at Condor Petroleum.Don has over 35 years of experience in the oil & gas industry globally: from Angola to Indonesia, from Canada to Central Asia. He’s sharing his personal experience of operating a company in Kazakhstan, exploring the Uzbekistan market, working with oil & gas reserves, and leading LNG technological revolution in Central Asia. Related links: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan,Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan Timeline 0:00 Intro 0:40 Welcome Don Streu 1:24 The heart of the new West (Alberta) 2:36 Will the current uptick in Gas & Oil price help Alberta’s economy? 3:50 Starting with Shevron in 1986 5:52 The “Three No” Rule and move to Angola 11:04 Experiences in Indonesia and Nigeria 14:09 Founding Condor Petroleum: turning to Kazakhstan 16:25 What does it take to discover oil? 17:53 Step in the right direction: introducing LNG technology in Kazakhstan 20:19 Ethical oil 22:48 Can-do attitude: Kazakhstani and Uzbekistani culture and professionalism 25:36 Opportunities in Uzbekistan 26:43 Leading the small-scale LNG revolution 29:53 What does it mean to be an Honorary Consul of Republic of Kazakhstan in Alberta? 31:39 Enjoying Alberta and Ontario beef in Kazakhstan 33:12 Positive reforms in Kazakhstan 36:14 What made Don a leader? 37:09 What does the future hold for Don Streu? 39:21 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org | |||
| 23 Sep 2022 | "Uzbekistan:New Heights in Higher Education" with Peter McCann | 00:38:00 | |
In today’s episode we are joined by Mr. Peter McCann, a Management Consultant, an author of two business books, and now Advisor to the Rector at Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute. Peter has over 30 years of experience in consulting small and large businesses in the USA & Canada, as well as taught and lectured in Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Peter shares his firsthand experience in establishing his own business and new professional and social life in Central Asia, education reforms in Uzbekistan and large-scale projects in partnership with the world leaders in vocational training. How will applying the best international practices address the core challenges in education? What opportunities does this tremendous transformation open for Canada-Uzbekistan cooperation? Related links to this episode: Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute 'Strategy & Business Planning of Privately Held Companies' book by Peter McCann 'Turnarounds: Brains, Guts & Stamina' book by Peter McCann Timeline: 00:40 – Introducing Peter McCann 1:40 – Radical transformation of the Tashkent Chemical Technologies Institute (TCTI) 7:30 – Growing up in Ottawa's rural northwest 9:20 – First career breakthroughs 12:32 – Turnarounds and Consultancy practice 13:42 – Early steps towards Kazakhstan in 1998 16:28 – Aftermath of moving to Central Asia 21:55 – Meeting your better half and strengthening family bonds 24:25 – Uzbek progress and hard work 25:07 – Partnership with SAIT – the World Leaders in vocational training 27:45 – “The LEADER” Project from Ivey Business School in TCTI 30:03 – Life lessons taken from Judo 33:50 – What made Mr.Peter McCann a leader? 35:35 – What does the future hold for Peter McCann? 36:49 – Closing Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||
| 13 May 2022 | 'How to Change the World” with Jim Gibson | 00:38:57 | |
We are hosting Mr. Jim Gibson today, Chief Catalyst and Community Leader at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Jim is a passionate serial entrepreneur and author of “Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads”. Jim brings over 30 years of experience in digital technologies, innovations, mentorship, and technological ventures into the conversation. With his help we are exploring the notion of digital literacy and digital citizenship as well as investigate the coming tsunami of technological change. Precisely, how will the exponential technological growth influence our lives, education sector and contemporary youth? What are the opportunities for Canada-Eurasia collaboration and what does “How to change the World” program contribute to the global education industry? Related links: "How to change the World" Program" Tip of the Spear: Our Species and Technology at a Crossroads" book by Jim Gibson Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Welcome Jim Gibson 1:27 What does it mean to be digitally literate? 4:46 Digital Intelligence classes for digital natives by SAIT 9:05 Understanding your digital footprint 11:00 Technology genie out of the bottle but the legislation is lagging 14:21 What skills will students need in the future? 16:12 Will we reach singularity soon? 18:03 20 years of change in 20 months 20:51 International programs and corporate trainings 24:03 Smart cities 26:43 “How to Change the World” program 31:17 SAIT School of Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) 34:00 The role of mentorship in education 36:02 What made you a Leader? 36:56 Pay attention! Or What does the future hold? 38:20 Outro Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com | |||