Episode 11: Building Brands through Purpose and Performance — with Darian Kovacs
Release Date: 10/21/2025
Episode 13: Clean Energy, Youth Leadership & Economic Sovereignty — A Conversation with Dean Montgomery
Forward Together
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...
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Episode 12: Igniting Indigenous Futures — Bears’ Lair and Dream Camps with Geena Jackson
Forward Together
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...
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Episode 11: Building Brands through Purpose and Performance — with Darian Kovacs
Forward Together
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...
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Episode 10: The Power of Policy: Building Structural Change with Sarah Jacknife
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages with Sarah Jacknife, a Métis and Cree policy expert, educator and entrepreneur. They discuss Sarah's journey from her roots in the Elizabeth Métis settlement to founding Jacknife Consulting, which focuses on Indigenous policy and inclusion. The conversation explores the importance of education, the role of policy in structural change, and the need for co-creation in governance. Sarah shares insights on misconceptions surrounding Indigenous inclusion, the significance of celebrating Indigenous excellence...
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Episode 9: From $400 to Seven Figures – Trust, Culture & Cedar Brush with Corey Janvier
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, Rod Miller sits down with Corey Janvier (Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation), Founder & CEO of Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial, to unpack how he grew a 100% Indigenous-owned business from a $400 Facebook-Marketplace kit into a multi-division operation serving Metro Vancouver and beyond. Corey shares how ceremony, compassion, and the “Four Directions” approach guide everything—from biohazard cleans and housing support to non-medical home care and Indigenous staffing. He talks Bears’ Lair and...
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Episode 8: Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs – A Journey with Colby Delorme
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, Rod Miller sits down with Métis entrepreneur and governance leader Colby Delorme. Colby talks about what pulled him into entrepreneurship, how culture shapes the way he leads, and the lessons he’s carried through building Imagination Group. He shares why mentorship matters for Indigenous youth, including a story of unexpected support from Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. The conversation also digs into the role of boards in advancing Indigenous economic prosperity, and Colby’s advice for the next generation of...
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Beyond Performative: Real Action on Reconciliation with Deborah Green
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Deborah Green, a proud Cree woman from the Kawacatoose and Piapot First Nations in Saskatchewan and one of Canada’s most influential voices on Indigenous reconciliation. With over 25 years of professional and personal experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion, Deborah has dedicated her career to breaking down systemic barriers and building pathways for Indigenous economic participation and prosperity. She shares her journey of growing up “living a colonial existence,”...
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Navigating the Landscape of Indigenous Economic Development with Scott Alanen
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages with Scott Alanen, Vice President of Investment at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). They discuss Scott's journey from traditional finance to advocating for Indigenous economic prosperity, the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing capital, and the importance of trust in partnerships. Scott shares insights into the AIOC's mandate, successful projects like the Cascade Power Plant, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy and...
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Authentic Storytelling for Indigenous Prosperity with Jay Gould
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Gould, founder of Story Foundry. Jay shares his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and how it influences his work in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope within Indigenous communities and the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in Indigenous filmmaking, the responsibility of truth-telling, and advice for aspiring Indigenous creatives. Jay's passion for...
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The Sacred Role of She Who Leads with Buffy Handel
Forward Together
In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares...
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Key Takeaways
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PR + Social + Ads = Measurable Growth: Jelly launched by uniting disciplines and obsessing over conversions and qualified leads.
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Teach What You Do: Jelly Academy equips teams to bring SEO, social, and ads in-house—capacity building as a growth strategy.
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Storytelling & Reciprocity: Métis values of bridge-building and abundance inform brand work and community partnerships.
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Own Your Digital Footprint: For youth and job-seekers—optimize LinkedIn, publish listicles/blogs, understand SEO, and try micro-video.
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Community First Works: Early sponsorship of high-impact charity galas delivered relationships, clients, and tangible social ROI.
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What’s Next: “Silent social” communities (Discord, WhatsApp, closed groups, Reddit) will matter more as AI content explodes.
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Measure What Matters: Track conversions, then verify quality (e.g., files opened for law firms) and attribute results accurately.
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Start Smart: Indigenous founders can explore funding/support and use Kickstarter to validate ideas with low risk.
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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!