We’re diving into a topic that’s sparking a lot of conversation in organizations and the non-profit sector, what is the role Augmented Intelligence in innovation and grant writing. Our guest is Mina Demian a startup advisor, ecosystem builder, and social innovation strategist with over a decade of experience in fund development, grant writing, and strategic fundraising. Before moving into the startup space, he spent 10 years securing millions in funding for nonprofits, leading development teams, and crafting high-impact grant proposals that fueled social change.

Now advising founders through Platform Calgary, Innovate Calgary, and beyond, Mina helps startups navigate funding, partnerships, and growth with a deep understanding of both the nonprofit and tech sectors. An MBA graduate with training in UNESCO’s Futures Literacy Lab, he brings a cross-sector perspective—blending business strategy, technology, and social impact.

Show Links:

• How to Use AI to Write a Grant in a Few Hours (A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
• Perplexity: Perplexity AI
• ChatGPT: ChatGPT
• Claude: Claude AI

In this episode of Responsible Disruption, we kick off our season by exploring how the arts sector is recovering from a challenging period marked by low attendance and funding struggles. Host Monique Blough is joined by Alex Sarian, to discuss his book, The Audacity of Relevance: Critical Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture.

As we witness the impacts of the pandemic on cultural institutions, we’ll dive into the creative ways the industry is bouncing back, highlighting innovative strategies for re-engaging audiences and fostering sustainability.

You can find Alex's book here:

• BOOK — ALEX SARIAN

To learn more about Alex:

• Alex Sarian (@alexsarian) • Instagram photos and videos
• ALEX SARIAN

In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.

Welcome to the third season opener of Responsible Disruption! Join our hosts—Monique Blough, Beth Ed, and Melissa Skowron—as they introduce themselves and give a sneak peek into all the interesting conversations in store for this year.

In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.