Forward Together Podcast Por Rod Miller COO Connect Partnership Group arte de portada

Forward Together

Forward Together

De: Rod Miller COO Connect Partnership Group
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Forward Together is the podcast where Indigenous voices and Canadian industry come together to build a stronger, more inclusive economy. Hosted by Rod Miller, president and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, each episode sparks real conversations about reconciliation, economic opportunity, and Indigenous leadership across sectors. From personal journeys to big-picture insights, Forward Together keeps the dialogue going—beyond the conference stage and into the everyday work of building a better future.2025 Economía
Episodios
  • Episode 13: Clean Energy, Youth Leadership & Economic Sovereignty — A Conversation with Dean Montgomery

    Episode 13: Clean Energy, Youth Leadership & Economic Sovereignty — A Conversation with Dean Montgomery
    Nov 21 2025
    Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, host Rod Miller sits down with Dean Montgomery — CEO of Indigenous Initiatives Inc., President of Sunspear Renewables, Co-Founder of Bears' Lair TV, and a proud citizen of the Métis Nation. Dean shares how his family background and early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his approach to building meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities and corporate Canada. He reflects on the dramatic shift in Indigenous economic development over the past decade — and how nations are taking increasing ownership in energy projects, business development, and long-term economic planning. Dean also highlights the work behind Indigenous Initiatives, Sunspear Renewables, and Bears' Lair — from supporting nations with funding and strategic planning, to advancing Indigenous-led clean energy solutions, to empowering youth through entrepreneur camps. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of values, community leadership, and hope — and why Indigenous-led companies are now guiding the way forward in strengthening economic reconciliation across Canada. Key Takeaways Dean's Métis and Cree heritage deeply influences his worldview and commitment to supporting Indigenous communities. His early business ventures naturally led to building relationships with local nations long before "inclusion" was a mainstream concept. Indigenous Initiatives Inc. helps nations with strategic planning, governance, community engagement, and gaining access to capital. Many nations face barriers around funding, financial history, and capacity— areas Dean's team works to strengthen. Sunspear Renewables supports energy sovereignty through Indigenous-owned solar and microgrid projects while training local community members. Clean energy projects allow nations to redirect savings into areas like health care, housing, and education. Bears' Lair TV and the youth entrepreneur camps provide safe, inspiring spaces for Indigenous youth to learn business skills and design ventures that support their communities. Youth consistently create business ideas rooted in community well-being and cultural pride. Indigenous-led companies are increasingly leading major partnerships and guiding corporations on how to work effectively with nations. Dean encourages corporations to begin with their values and be clear about what they are truly willing to give in a partnership. His long-term vision includes Bears' Lair programs in more communities, Indigenous microgrids powering nations, and continued growth in education and capacity building. Guest Bio: Dean Montgomery is a proud Métis business leader with 25+ years of experience building strong, respectful partnerships between Indigenous communities, Corporate Canada, government, and non-profits. His work focuses on creating real economic opportunities — grounded in Indigenous values, leadership, and ownership. With a focus on long-term impact, he works alongside companies to launch Indigenous Relations departments, develop meaningful engagement strategies, and structure joint ventures that reflect true partnership and profitability. This work turns collaboration into action — specializing in the resource and energy sectors. Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward. Resources & Links: Connect with Dean Montgromery → Click Here! Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives Inc. → Click Here! Learn more about Sunspear Renewables → Click Here! Bears' Lair → https://bearslairtv.com Bears' Lair Dream Camps → https://www.bearslairdreamcamps.com/ Beyond the Lair Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/2BXjxd9CSXFBKpk572QTB8 Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/ Follow Forward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link Forward Summit Events and Pricing: Register Now!
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    31 m
  • Episode 12: Igniting Indigenous Futures — Bears' Lair and Dream Camps with Geena Jackson

    Episode 12: Igniting Indigenous Futures — Bears' Lair and Dream Camps with Geena Jackson
    Nov 5 2025
    Episode Overview On this episode of Forward Together, host Rod Miller sits down with Geena Jackson—broadcast journalist turned economic development officer, TV creator, and founder of Bears' Lair Dream Camps. Geena shares how her career came full circle, from interning at Hollywood entertainment shows to spending 13 years in economic development with the Squamish Nation—and eventually pitching and producing Bears' Lair, an Indigenous-led business show on APTN and CBC that centres collaboration over competition. She also dives into Bears' Lair Dream Camps, a national youth entrepreneurship program that has already reached nearly 2,000 Indigenous youth in more than 70 communities, teaching them business basics, leadership, and confidence in a culturally grounded, community-driven way. This is a powerful conversation about representation, "co-opetition," and why it's never too late to start something big. Key Takeaways How Geena's early broadcast journalism dreams and Hollywood internships eventually came full circle in the creation of Bears' Lair. Why she believes in "co-opetition"—a collaborative, Indigenous-led alternative to traditional business competition shows. The behind-the-scenes hustle of funding and producing Bears' Lair during a pandemic, and what it took to get Seasons 1 and 2 on APTN and CBC. Real stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs whose businesses and visibility grew after appearing on the show. The vision and impact of Bears' Lair Dream Camps, a national program teaching Indigenous youth (ages 14–18) entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy in their own communities. Why Indigenous entrepreneurship is growing faster than any other demographic in Canada—and how allies, funders, and partners can support that momentum. Geena's perspective on starting a national TV show in her 50s, designing a legacy, and the importance of "Who Not How" when scaling your impact. Guest Bio: Geena Jackson is a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt) and a passionate advocate for Indigenous Rights and self-determination. She is an entrepreneur and business leader with 25 years of experience that has worked for First Nation communities and Industry. As an economic development officer for the Squamish Nation for 13 years, followed by executive positions with large Industry companies, Geena recognized that successful projects for Indigenous communities are founded on uniting three vital groups; Indigenous Communities, Industry Expertise and Government support systems. Indigenous Initiatives has united a team of experts with the knowledge and relationships to navigate complex projects to support Indigenous communities. Geena has helped over 550 Indigenous entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses and social enterprises through exceptional technical assistance to write and attain grant funding and access loans. She is also the creator and host of the Bears Lair TV show on APTN which is dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs on a National scale. Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward. Resources & Links: Connect with Geena Jackson → Click Here! Bears' Lair → https://bearslairtv.com Bears' Lair Dream Camps → https://www.bearslairdreamcamps.com/ Beyond the Lair Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/2BXjxd9CSXFBKpk572QTB8 Why Not How Book By Dan Sullivan: Amazon Store Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/ Follow Forward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link Forward Summit Events and Pricing: Register Now!
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    39 m
  • Episode 11: Building Brands through Purpose and Performance — with Darian Kovacs

    Episode 11: Building Brands through Purpose and Performance — with Darian Kovacs
    Oct 21 2025
    Episode Overview Forward Together host Rod Miller sits down with Darian Kovacs—Métis entrepreneur, founding partner of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and creator of Jelly Academy—for a candid conversation on building ethical, measurable marketing that actually converts. Darian shares Jelly's origin story (combining PR, social, and digital ads), why storytelling + reciprocity sit at the heart of his approach, and how Jelly Academy helps organizations bring critical skills in-house.

    They dig into law-firm lead gen, event and app marketing, the early charity-gala strategy that put Jelly in front of decision-makers, and the next five years of digital (hint: "silent social" communities and cutting through AI slop). Darian also offers practical advice for Indigenous youth and founders—from owning your digital footprint to tapping Indigenous Financial Institutions and testing ideas via crowdfunding. Key Takeaways

    • PR + Social + Ads = Measurable Growth: Jelly launched by uniting disciplines and obsessing over conversions and qualified leads.

    • Teach What You Do: Jelly Academy equips teams to bring SEO, social, and ads in-house—capacity building as a growth strategy.

    • Storytelling & Reciprocity: Métis values of bridge-building and abundance inform brand work and community partnerships.

    • Own Your Digital Footprint: For youth and job-seekers—optimize LinkedIn, publish listicles/blogs, understand SEO, and try micro-video.

    • Community First Works: Early sponsorship of high-impact charity galas delivered relationships, clients, and tangible social ROI.

    • What's Next: "Silent social" communities (Discord, WhatsApp, closed groups, Reddit) will matter more as AI content explodes.

    • Measure What Matters: Track conversions, then verify quality (e.g., files opened for law firms) and attribute results accurately.

    • Start Smart: Indigenous founders can explore funding/support and use Kickstarter to validate ideas with low risk.

    • 2030 Vision: Indigenous perspectives embedded in-house across organizations—less outsourcing for "Indigenous insight," more real inclusion.

    Guest Bio:

    Darian Kovacs is the Indigenous founder Vancouver based SEO company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR & digital marketing course Jelly Academy. He brings 15 years of marketing experience and a passion for education, and creativity. He is the host of the podcast Marketing News Canada. Darian specializes in mixing PR with digital marketing and has worked with numerous internationally renowned brands on developing and executing their digital marketing and PR strategies. Darian lives in Fort Langley, BC with his wife and four children and likes to mountain bike, watercolour and read in his free time.

    Host:

     Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

    Resources & Links:

    Learn more about Jelly Marketing → https://jellymarketing.ca/

    Connect with Darian Kovacs on LinkedIn → Click Here!

    Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/
    Follow Forward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn
    Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link

    Forward Summit Events and Pricing: Register Now!
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    35 m
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