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Home > About > News > Fueling the story of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem
November 25, 2024
To increase support for the innovations reshaping Alberta’s landscape, it’s vital that stakeholders share the stories behind the province’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem.
Innovation is reshaping Alberta’s landscape. From its impact on the economy to culture, it’s vital to share the stories behind the province’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem. Sharing educates, inspires, and creates investment opportunities. While technology innovations are occurring in our oil and gas sector, progress in other areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, digital health, smart agriculture, clean-technology and so much more, are left, arguably, underappreciated.
On a recent episode of the Shift podcast, we explored the role storytelling has on increasing engagement and support for those vibrant sectors Albertans are dedicating themselves. Our guests included Kira Kelsie, a startup marketing consultant from Kasm Consulting, and Leah Sarich, Head of Story at Thin Air Labs and host of the podcast The Founder Mindset.
Leah Sarich, Head of Story at Thin Air Labs and host of The Founders Mindset
Together, we discussed how effective storytelling can bridge the gap between complex innovations and broader public understanding. Listen to the whole episode here.
Kira Kelsie, MArketing consultant with Kasm Consulting
Storytelling goes beyond marketing; it’s about creating connections. As Leah Sarich put it, “Good storytelling helps people understand what’s being developed, why it matters, and why they should care.” When done well, storytelling doesn’t just inform—it galvanizes, motivates, and inspires.
In Alberta’s case, stories can help citizens see the tech sector as a vital part of the economy and their future. “We need people to champion this sector, not just know about it,” Sarich emphasized.
Call to Action:
Storytelling simplifies complex ideas. It enables people to see why Alberta’s innovation sector matters to them personally. But, as Sarich explained, if stories don’t address the audience’s core question—“Why should I care about this?”—they fail to engage. By focusing on relatable, plain-language messaging, storytellers can create narratives that build trust, pride, and excitement.
She noted that when people feel a personal connection to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, they’re more likely to champion its growth. This advocacy can bring in more investment and talent, further accelerating the sector’s momentum. Making innovation relatable and accessible is not just good storytelling; it’s essential to the sector’s success.
Listen to the whole episode here.
One challenge for Alberta’s ecosystem is overcoming a fragmented approach to storytelling. “We often see organizations working in silos,” said Jon Hagan, host of Shift Podcast, “but we need a united front to tell the story of Alberta’s innovation success.”
Sarich, Kelsie and Hagan agreed that collaboration between organizations—be it startups, accelerators, funding bodies, of government—can amplify messages and attract more talent and investment. Kelsie added, “When industry gets involved, adopting and showcasing new technologies, it builds credibility and excitement.”
Storytelling in tech requires a balance between expertise and accessibility. Both Sarich and Kelsie stressed the importance of plain language to make complex innovations relatable and highlighted the power of using relatable examples and focusing on the human impact of innovation.
We concluded the episode with a final call to action: let’s build Alberta’s innovation narrative together.
Sarich and Kelsie encouraged listeners, especially founders, to reach out, collaborate, and start telling their own stories. They both agreed, you should start small: “Don’t let perfection hold you back. Start with one LinkedIn post a month,” Sarich encouraged, “and build from there.” It could be as simple as creating a post that answers one of these questions: what gets you out of bed in the morning or what keeps you awake at night?
Additional tips include:
Call to Action: Let’s Build the Narrative Together
Innovation is for everyone. Whether you’re a founder, funder, or a proud Albertan, your voice matters in showcasing the exciting transformation happening across the province. Let’s tell Alberta’s story, together.