Our People

Donald G. Simpson is Chief Explorer and founder of the Innovation Expedition. Don is a cultural wanderer, boundary-buster, imagineer, mentor, coach and guide. He has challenged many to think differently and to collaborate wisely.

As a depression baby (1934) he had no dreams as a teenager of accomplishing anything more than finishing high school and finding a job. Some abilities as an athlete helped him find his way to the University of Western Ontario. Initially wondering how in the world he had ended up in this intellectual environment, he did well in his studies. He began in the business school, switched to general science, focusing on biology and chemistry. Achieving entry into medical school made him face a career decision. He opted for a year off from his studies and took on a role as a high school teacher and football coach – and began a wonderful journey – one he is still travelling on.

As a first year teacher he was challenged by a group of students to find a viable project through which they could prove their concern for making some type of community contribution. The initial decision (1957) to bring one student from newly independent Ghana for post graduate studies led to his direct involvement in creating and running a national foundation (African Students Foundation) and a Canadian branch of Crossroads Africa (that later was used by John F. Kennedy as the model for the Peace Corps).

By 1960 he was in Nigeria with Dr. James Robinson, the charismatic black pastor from Harlem, who created Crossroads Africa. Don had found an inspiring mentor who kept telling him to use his imagination, trust his intuition, follow his instincts and “expect the unexpected”. In supporting an initial brief work camp sojourn in Nigeria, his family said, “We don’t know why you are going – but you have something in your system driving you there – so you better go and satisfy it”. But his instincts as a cultural wanderer have never been satisfied. Instead, the initial African experience served as a catalyst for turning him into a permanent and life-long  explorer, collaborator and imagineer.

The dream was always the same. How could one build a trusting relationship with a new group of people that allowed an exchange of ideas and experiences that was mutually satisfying? Gradually he began to gain some ability to help people identify their key challenges, explore the options and build collaborative teams to create entrepreneurial, innovative responses to their complex challenges of performance.

Don’s overall dream was to play some small role in nurturing harmony and in initiating activities aimed at the development of sustainable prosperity and quality of life both within organizations and communities. His explorations saw his involvement in a diverse range of initiatives as educator, researcher, consultant, mentor and entrepreneur including:

  • Post graduate studies in history (Ph.D.) related to Black History in Canada and the New Imperialism in Africa;
  • Educational activities at all levels including involvement in the establishment of teacher training colleges, adult education institutes, the early planning for the Community College system in Ontario, initiation of one of the first offices for international programs at a Canadian University, a role as Director of International Business at the Ivey School of Business, and an opportunity to globalize the management school at the world famous Banff Centre in the Canadian Rockies;
  • Helping to establish the first western style business school in China (at Tsinghua University) and to serve as mentor for the first business case method workshop in China;
  • Mentoring of senior business leaders globally to transform their organizations for success in the new knowledge economy;
  • Mentoring small business start-ups in developing countries;
  • Becoming one of the early members of Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and their first regional director in West Africa;
  • Creator of the computerized Cross Cultural Learner Centre (1968) – involving a learner centered approach to cross-cultural training for business, government and non-profits;
  • Co-director of the Southern Support group for the Dene Nation in Canada’s Northwest Territories and a mentor on social and economic development for a number of aboriginal nations;
  • Involvement (1972-75) with Canada’s former Prime Minister (Hon. Lester B. Pearson), David Hopper, Maurice Strong and others in the start-up of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that provided a breakthrough collaborative model for building R&D capacity in developing countries. This IDRC work taught him the power of collaborative global networks and the ease with which they can be created if you are dealing with a significant issue, are open to non-conventional solutions and committed to co-create the solution with others;
  • Mentoring of senior politicians and civil servants on the issues of transforming government services for improved performance, the creation of public/private partnerships and understanding what it takes to build an innovation driven society;
  • Collaborating with others in the development of Alberta’s oil sands co-operative networks;
  • Developing a system for collaboration and innovation, known as the Challenge Dialogue System™

– and many other things. A wise and well connected innovator who wishes to mentor, coach and guide others.

Director, Centre for Social Responsibility

A lifetime of searching for the best way to make the world a better place has led Nadine to the conclusion that the best path is to help others make their giving more engaging and effective.

On the way there, she studied international development and business administration at university, had misadventures as a serial volunteer in Mexico and beyond, coordinated workplace giving and fielded solicitations as the executive assistant for a blue-chip company, and she spent several years as a professional fundraiser.

All of these experiences culminated in Nadine writing the book The Savvy Do Gooder: Giving that Makes a Difference, a step-by-step guide to effective giving for a new generation. Through media appearances, speaking engagements, and event facilitation, she seeks to shift the way people view doing good in our society. She is one of the forces behind the Good Hundred Experiment, a dynamic and interactive event for do-gooders of all kinds to connect and develop their own missions.

Nadine’s favourite Expedition memory:

“My favourite Expedition experience is one I’m on still on right now. I like moving towards a working culture that fosters critical thinking, healthy debate, and energetic questioning of everything. I discovered that learned behaviours from past experience with ‘yesterday’s’ work environments have to be unlearned- authenticity, openness, and caring are now the order of the day while differences and an entrepreneurial spirit are valued. The adjustment can be surprisingly difficult to make, although very much welcome”. 

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/savvydogooder
http://nadineriopel.com/

Expedition Navigator

Despite her youthful, fun loving nature, Janet has more than 16 years of serious professional and practical experience and has gained specialisms in organizational, technological, and industrial change from both sides of the Atlantic. Janet has a wealth of experience in field research, stakeholder engagement and identifying strategic issues facing industrial sectors, having worked on international projects for sectors in the auto-industry, hi-tech, oil and gas, forestry, and higher education. Based in Calgary, Janet consults with industry, government and other organizations focused on collaboration, innovation and change.

Janet’s favourite Expedition memory:

“A fantastic day of exploring in the desert, near Dubai with locals. On our way back to base, our jeep got stuck in a deep sand dune and the tire popped off the rim of the wheel. We all have to get out as they dig us out.  It’s getting dark and the pressure is on as we need to get moving – scorpions are starting to be active now that the sun is down and I’m trying to control my irrational hate of the poisonous arthropods.  There are a few attempts to get the tire back on the rim but it keeps getting stuck.  I pull out my lip salve to soothe my sun chapped lips- suddenly there is much gesturing at my lip salve and I soon realize they need it to lubricate the tire to get it back on the rim. It works like magic and we’re soon on our way. My lesson: even the most innocuous of everyday items can be repurposed as your solution, if you are willing to look at it differently!”

Chief Scout

Stephen worked at the world-renowned Open University, UK (1973-1985) before taking a position as Dean of the the Faculty of Administrative Studies (now the School of Business) at Athabasca University, Canada. There, he founded the world’s first online MBA program, which still thrives. Stephen was then founder and President of PSQ International (1988-1998), Chairman and CEO of Lifeskills International Ltd of the United Kingdom (1998-2002) and is now Chief Executive of the Collaborative Media Group, owner of the Innovation Expedition Inc.

Stephen has worked with global corporations such as Oracle, Heinz, Barclays Bank, Wal-Mart, ConocoPhillips, Textron, Bayer, and national organizations such as Molson Brewery (Canada), Debenhams (UK), Bank of Montreal (Canada), and First Group Rail (UK). He has also worked with networks, such as the International Animal Vaccine Network, EnergyINet, the Energy Futures Network, and the Alberta Council of Technologies. He has worked with Governments across Canada (especially the Government of Alberta and the Government of Ontario), cities (most recently the City of Ottawa) and cross-Ministerial projects, such as Alberta’s Forestry Road Map.

For a detailed curriculum vitae, click here

Stephen’s favourite Expedition memory:

“We worked with Oracle Europe & Middle-East to help reinvent their leadership strategy through working on wicked problems. We had several global teams tasked to solve the sticky business problems, some of which had plagued the business and restricted operations for nearly a decade. In the space of 18 months, we turned around thinking and we had solved 75% of them, and made real progress on the rest. For one project, we secured over half a billion pounds in revenue. The program was so successful that it was immediately rolled out to the other Oracle global regions and still remains a key process at Oracle to this day.”

Donald G. Simpson is Chief Explorer and founder of the Innovation Expedition. Don is a cultural wanderer, boundary-buster, imagineer, mentor, coach and guide. He has challenged many to think differently and to collaborate wisely.

As a depression baby (1934) he had no dreams as a teenager of accomplishing anything more than finishing high school and finding a job. Some abilities as an athlete helped him find his way to the University of Western Ontario. Initially wondering how in the world he had ended up in this intellectual environment, he did well in his studies. He began in the business school, switched to general science, focusing on biology and chemistry. Achieving entry into medical school made him face a career decision. He opted for a year off from his studies and took on a role as a high school teacher and football coach – and began a wonderful journey – one he is still travelling on.

As a first year teacher he was challenged by a group of students to find a viable project through which they could prove their concern for making some type of community contribution. The initial decision (1957) to bring one student from newly independent Ghana for post graduate studies led to his direct involvement in creating and running a national foundation (African Students Foundation) and a Canadian branch of Crossroads Africa (that later was used by John F. Kennedy as the model for the Peace Corps).

By 1960 he was in Nigeria with Dr. James Robinson, the charismatic black pastor from Harlem, who created Crossroads Africa. Don had found an inspiring mentor who kept telling him to use his imagination, trust his intuition, follow his instincts and “expect the unexpected”. In supporting an initial brief work camp sojourn in Nigeria, his family said, “We don’t know why you are going – but you have something in your system driving you there – so you better go and satisfy it”. But his instincts as a cultural wanderer have never been satisfied. Instead, the initial African experience served as a catalyst for turning him into a permanent and life-long  explorer, collaborator and imagineer.

The dream was always the same. How could one build a trusting relationship with a new group of people that allowed an exchange of ideas and experiences that was mutually satisfying? Gradually he began to gain some ability to help people identify their key challenges, explore the options and build collaborative teams to create entrepreneurial, innovative responses to their complex challenges of performance.

Don’s overall dream was to play some small role in nurturing harmony and in initiating activities aimed at the development of sustainable prosperity and quality of life both within organizations and communities. His explorations saw his involvement in a diverse range of initiatives as educator, researcher, consultant, mentor and entrepreneur including:

  • Post graduate studies in history (Ph.D.) related to Black History in Canada and the New Imperialism in Africa;
  • Educational activities at all levels including involvement in the establishment of teacher training colleges, adult education institutes, the early planning for the Community College system in Ontario, initiation of one of the first offices for international programs at a Canadian University, a role as Director of International Business at the Ivey School of Business, and an opportunity to globalize the management school at the world famous Banff Centre in the Canadian Rockies;
  • Helping to establish the first western style business school in China (at Tsinghua University) and to serve as mentor for the first business case method workshop in China;
  • Mentoring of senior business leaders globally to transform their organizations for success in the new knowledge economy;
  • Mentoring small business start-ups in developing countries;
  • Becoming one of the early members of Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and their first regional director in West Africa;
  • Creator of the computerized Cross Cultural Learner Centre (1968) – involving a learner centered approach to cross-cultural training for business, government and non-profits;
  • Co-director of the Southern Support group for the Dene Nation in Canada’s Northwest Territories and a mentor on social and economic development for a number of aboriginal nations;
  • Involvement (1972-75) with Canada’s former Prime Minister (Hon. Lester B. Pearson), David Hopper, Maurice Strong and others in the start-up of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that provided a breakthrough collaborative model for building R&D capacity in developing countries. This IDRC work taught him the power of collaborative global networks and the ease with which they can be created if you are dealing with a significant issue, are open to non-conventional solutions and committed to co-create the solution with others;
  • Mentoring of senior politicians and civil servants on the issues of transforming government services for improved performance, the creation of public/private partnerships and understanding what it takes to build an innovation driven society;
  • Collaborating with others in the development of Alberta’s oil sands co-operative networks;
  • Developing a system for collaboration and innovation, known as the Challenge Dialogue System™

– and many other things. A wise and well connected innovator who wishes to mentor, coach and guide others.

Director, Centre for Social Responsibility

A lifetime of searching for the best way to make the world a better place has led Nadine to the conclusion that the best path is to help others make their giving more engaging and effective.

On the way there, she studied international development and business administration at university, had misadventures as a serial volunteer in Mexico and beyond, coordinated workplace giving and fielded solicitations as the executive assistant for a blue-chip company, and she spent several years as a professional fundraiser.

All of these experiences culminated in Nadine writing the book The Savvy Do Gooder: Giving that Makes a Difference, a step-by-step guide to effective giving for a new generation. Through media appearances, speaking engagements, and event facilitation, she seeks to shift the way people view doing good in our society. She is one of the forces behind the Good Hundred Experiment, a dynamic and interactive event for do-gooders of all kinds to connect and develop their own missions.

Nadine’s favourite Expedition memory:

“My favourite Expedition experience is one I’m on still on right now. I like moving towards a working culture that fosters critical thinking, healthy debate, and energetic questioning of everything. I discovered that learned behaviours from past experience with ‘yesterday’s’ work environments have to be unlearned- authenticity, openness, and caring are now the order of the day while differences and an entrepreneurial spirit are valued. The adjustment can be surprisingly difficult to make, although very much welcome”. 

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/savvydogooder
http://nadineriopel.com/

Expedition Navigator

Despite her youthful, fun loving nature, Janet has more than 16 years of serious professional and practical experience and has gained specialisms in organizational, technological, and industrial change from both sides of the Atlantic. Janet has a wealth of experience in field research, stakeholder engagement and identifying strategic issues facing industrial sectors, having worked on international projects for sectors in the auto-industry, hi-tech, oil and gas, forestry, and higher education. Based in Calgary, Janet consults with industry, government and other organizations focused on collaboration, innovation and change.

Janet’s favourite Expedition memory:

“A fantastic day of exploring in the desert, near Dubai with locals. On our way back to base, our jeep got stuck in a deep sand dune and the tire popped off the rim of the wheel. We all have to get out as they dig us out.  It’s getting dark and the pressure is on as we need to get moving – scorpions are starting to be active now that the sun is down and I’m trying to control my irrational hate of the poisonous arthropods.  There are a few attempts to get the tire back on the rim but it keeps getting stuck.  I pull out my lip salve to soothe my sun chapped lips- suddenly there is much gesturing at my lip salve and I soon realize they need it to lubricate the tire to get it back on the rim. It works like magic and we’re soon on our way. My lesson: even the most innocuous of everyday items can be repurposed as your solution, if you are willing to look at it differently!”

Chief Scout

Stephen worked at the world-renowned Open University, UK (1973-1985) before taking a position as Dean of the the Faculty of Administrative Studies (now the School of Business) at Athabasca University, Canada. There, he founded the world’s first online MBA program, which still thrives. Stephen was then founder and President of PSQ International (1988-1998), Chairman and CEO of Lifeskills International Ltd of the United Kingdom (1998-2002) and is now Chief Executive of the Collaborative Media Group, owner of the Innovation Expedition Inc.

Stephen has worked with global corporations such as Oracle, Heinz, Barclays Bank, Wal-Mart, ConocoPhillips, Textron, Bayer, and national organizations such as Molson Brewery (Canada), Debenhams (UK), Bank of Montreal (Canada), and First Group Rail (UK). He has also worked with networks, such as the International Animal Vaccine Network, EnergyINet, the Energy Futures Network, and the Alberta Council of Technologies. He has worked with Governments across Canada (especially the Government of Alberta and the Government of Ontario), cities (most recently the City of Ottawa) and cross-Ministerial projects, such as Alberta’s Forestry Road Map.

For a detailed curriculum vitae, click here

Stephen’s favourite Expedition memory:

“We worked with Oracle Europe & Middle-East to help reinvent their leadership strategy through working on wicked problems. We had several global teams tasked to solve the sticky business problems, some of which had plagued the business and restricted operations for nearly a decade. In the space of 18 months, we turned around thinking and we had solved 75% of them, and made real progress on the rest. For one project, we secured over half a billion pounds in revenue. The program was so successful that it was immediately rolled out to the other Oracle global regions and still remains a key process at Oracle to this day.”

Donald G. Simpson is Chief Explorer and founder of the Innovation Expedition. Don is a cultural wanderer, boundary-buster, imagineer, mentor, coach and guide. He has challenged many to think differently and to collaborate wisely.

As a depression baby (1934) he had no dreams as a teenager of accomplishing anything more than finishing high school and finding a job. Some abilities as an athlete helped him find his way to the University of Western Ontario. Initially wondering how in the world he had ended up in this intellectual environment, he did well in his studies. He began in the business school, switched to general science, focusing on biology and chemistry. Achieving entry into medical school made him face a career decision. He opted for a year off from his studies and took on a role as a high school teacher and football coach – and began a wonderful journey – one he is still travelling on.

As a first year teacher he was challenged by a group of students to find a viable project through which they could prove their concern for making some type of community contribution. The initial decision (1957) to bring one student from newly independent Ghana for post graduate studies led to his direct involvement in creating and running a national foundation (African Students Foundation) and a Canadian branch of Crossroads Africa (that later was used by John F. Kennedy as the model for the Peace Corps).

By 1960 he was in Nigeria with Dr. James Robinson, the charismatic black pastor from Harlem, who created Crossroads Africa. Don had found an inspiring mentor who kept telling him to use his imagination, trust his intuition, follow his instincts and “expect the unexpected”. In supporting an initial brief work camp sojourn in Nigeria, his family said, “We don’t know why you are going – but you have something in your system driving you there – so you better go and satisfy it”. But his instincts as a cultural wanderer have never been satisfied. Instead, the initial African experience served as a catalyst for turning him into a permanent and life-long  explorer, collaborator and imagineer.

The dream was always the same. How could one build a trusting relationship with a new group of people that allowed an exchange of ideas and experiences that was mutually satisfying? Gradually he began to gain some ability to help people identify their key challenges, explore the options and build collaborative teams to create entrepreneurial, innovative responses to their complex challenges of performance.

Don’s overall dream was to play some small role in nurturing harmony and in initiating activities aimed at the development of sustainable prosperity and quality of life both within organizations and communities. His explorations saw his involvement in a diverse range of initiatives as educator, researcher, consultant, mentor and entrepreneur including:

  • Post graduate studies in history (Ph.D.) related to Black History in Canada and the New Imperialism in Africa;
  • Educational activities at all levels including involvement in the establishment of teacher training colleges, adult education institutes, the early planning for the Community College system in Ontario, initiation of one of the first offices for international programs at a Canadian University, a role as Director of International Business at the Ivey School of Business, and an opportunity to globalize the management school at the world famous Banff Centre in the Canadian Rockies;
  • Helping to establish the first western style business school in China (at Tsinghua University) and to serve as mentor for the first business case method workshop in China;
  • Mentoring of senior business leaders globally to transform their organizations for success in the new knowledge economy;
  • Mentoring small business start-ups in developing countries;
  • Becoming one of the early members of Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and their first regional director in West Africa;
  • Creator of the computerized Cross Cultural Learner Centre (1968) – involving a learner centered approach to cross-cultural training for business, government and non-profits;
  • Co-director of the Southern Support group for the Dene Nation in Canada’s Northwest Territories and a mentor on social and economic development for a number of aboriginal nations;
  • Involvement (1972-75) with Canada’s former Prime Minister (Hon. Lester B. Pearson), David Hopper, Maurice Strong and others in the start-up of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that provided a breakthrough collaborative model for building R&D capacity in developing countries. This IDRC work taught him the power of collaborative global networks and the ease with which they can be created if you are dealing with a significant issue, are open to non-conventional solutions and committed to co-create the solution with others;
  • Mentoring of senior politicians and civil servants on the issues of transforming government services for improved performance, the creation of public/private partnerships and understanding what it takes to build an innovation driven society;
  • Collaborating with others in the development of Alberta’s oil sands co-operative networks;
  • Developing a system for collaboration and innovation, known as the Challenge Dialogue System™

– and many other things. A wise and well connected innovator who wishes to mentor, coach and guide others.

Director, Centre for Social Responsibility

A lifetime of searching for the best way to make the world a better place has led Nadine to the conclusion that the best path is to help others make their giving more engaging and effective.

On the way there, she studied international development and business administration at university, had misadventures as a serial volunteer in Mexico and beyond, coordinated workplace giving and fielded solicitations as the executive assistant for a blue-chip company, and she spent several years as a professional fundraiser.

All of these experiences culminated in Nadine writing the book The Savvy Do Gooder: Giving that Makes a Difference, a step-by-step guide to effective giving for a new generation. Through media appearances, speaking engagements, and event facilitation, she seeks to shift the way people view doing good in our society. She is one of the forces behind the Good Hundred Experiment, a dynamic and interactive event for do-gooders of all kinds to connect and develop their own missions.

Nadine’s favourite Expedition memory:

“My favourite Expedition experience is one I’m on still on right now. I like moving towards a working culture that fosters critical thinking, healthy debate, and energetic questioning of everything. I discovered that learned behaviours from past experience with ‘yesterday’s’ work environments have to be unlearned- authenticity, openness, and caring are now the order of the day while differences and an entrepreneurial spirit are valued. The adjustment can be surprisingly difficult to make, although very much welcome”. 

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/savvydogooder
http://nadineriopel.com/

Expedition Navigator

Despite her youthful, fun loving nature, Janet has more than 16 years of serious professional and practical experience and has gained specialisms in organizational, technological, and industrial change from both sides of the Atlantic. Janet has a wealth of experience in field research, stakeholder engagement and identifying strategic issues facing industrial sectors, having worked on international projects for sectors in the auto-industry, hi-tech, oil and gas, forestry, and higher education. Based in Calgary, Janet consults with industry, government and other organizations focused on collaboration, innovation and change.

Janet’s favourite Expedition memory:

“A fantastic day of exploring in the desert, near Dubai with locals. On our way back to base, our jeep got stuck in a deep sand dune and the tire popped off the rim of the wheel. We all have to get out as they dig us out.  It’s getting dark and the pressure is on as we need to get moving – scorpions are starting to be active now that the sun is down and I’m trying to control my irrational hate of the poisonous arthropods.  There are a few attempts to get the tire back on the rim but it keeps getting stuck.  I pull out my lip salve to soothe my sun chapped lips- suddenly there is much gesturing at my lip salve and I soon realize they need it to lubricate the tire to get it back on the rim. It works like magic and we’re soon on our way. My lesson: even the most innocuous of everyday items can be repurposed as your solution, if you are willing to look at it differently!”

Chief Scout

Stephen worked at the world-renowned Open University, UK (1973-1985) before taking a position as Dean of the the Faculty of Administrative Studies (now the School of Business) at Athabasca University, Canada. There, he founded the world’s first online MBA program, which still thrives. Stephen was then founder and President of PSQ International (1988-1998), Chairman and CEO of Lifeskills International Ltd of the United Kingdom (1998-2002) and is now Chief Executive of the Collaborative Media Group, owner of the Innovation Expedition Inc.

Stephen has worked with global corporations such as Oracle, Heinz, Barclays Bank, Wal-Mart, ConocoPhillips, Textron, Bayer, and national organizations such as Molson Brewery (Canada), Debenhams (UK), Bank of Montreal (Canada), and First Group Rail (UK). He has also worked with networks, such as the International Animal Vaccine Network, EnergyINet, the Energy Futures Network, and the Alberta Council of Technologies. He has worked with Governments across Canada (especially the Government of Alberta and the Government of Ontario), cities (most recently the City of Ottawa) and cross-Ministerial projects, such as Alberta’s Forestry Road Map.

For a detailed curriculum vitae, click here

Stephen’s favourite Expedition memory:

“We worked with Oracle Europe & Middle-East to help reinvent their leadership strategy through working on wicked problems. We had several global teams tasked to solve the sticky business problems, some of which had plagued the business and restricted operations for nearly a decade. In the space of 18 months, we turned around thinking and we had solved 75% of them, and made real progress on the rest. For one project, we secured over half a billion pounds in revenue. The program was so successful that it was immediately rolled out to the other Oracle global regions and still remains a key process at Oracle to this day.”