Guest: Michael Geller (architect and real estate professional)
What is Michael Geller’s job? To him, his role has ranged from architect to urban planner to developer to real estate consultant. Not to be outdone, he entered politics by running for Vancouver city council – after all, real estate and politics are often intertwined.
How can we keep our oceans sustainable? As CEO of Ocean Wise, Lasse Gustavsson leads a team that sets strategies to keep our waters strong and also make the organization known to the public. This involves reaching out to governments, corporations, and the general public.
What makes up a species? And can you combine different types of life in new ways? These are the questions that Dr. Christopher Mason tries to answer, as a geneticist at Weill Cornell Medicine, the medical school of Cornell University. Much of his efforts need funding, which he seeks continuously, and teaching the next generation of genetic scientists. His work takes him all over the world – and beyond, as he also examines long-term health effects of NASA astronauts in space.
As former President of Shell Canada, Susannah Pierce worked to make sure all of Shell’s Canadian business initiatives could actually get into the country – and it was more than just the gas stations that people saw. Her goal was to make sure all the Canadian businesses associated with Shell were set up for success, as well as make sure other stakeholders such as indigenous groups were clear on what the company is, and how their goals can align for mutual benefit.
Do you have an idea or product and need to gauge what people think? Colin Whelan can tell you. As vice-president of Innovative Research, he leads a team that helps companies gather the consumer opinions and information needed to make their plans successful. His job has morphed through the years, as information gathering has changed from door-to-door to phone to online methods. This is a constant challenge, but a vital part of knowing if your idea will hit or sink.
