Podcast Summary
In this episode, Tim Borys welcomes Jason Ribeiro, Vice Chair and President of the Calgary Surge, to the Working Well Podcast. Jason shares the fascinating story of how he transitioned from academia to launching Calgary’s first professional basketball franchise. Drawing lessons from Toronto’s cultural transformation through the Raptors, Jason describes how he’s building the Surge with a unique focus on partnerships, diversity, and community impact.
The conversation dives deep into leadership philosophy, innovation, and why modern leaders must blend humility with bold decision-making. Jason explains how the Calgary Surge isn’t just a sports organization—it’s a catalyst for arts, culture, and social change in the city. His lessons on adapting to change, leading through partnerships, and reflecting the values of the community offer inspiring insights for executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers alike.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Partnerships First: Building strong, authentic partnerships across sectors drives real community engagement and success.
✅ Reflection of the City: Success comes from holding up a mirror to the community, not imposing a top-down vision.
✅ Adapt or Die: Leaders must embrace constant change, innovate boldly, and balance humility with confident decision-making.
✅ Culture Beyond Business: Creating a brand that fuses sports, arts, and social impact elevates both the organization and the community it serves.
Episode Links & Resources
Connect with Jason here:
Website: https://www.calgarysurge.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribeirojason/
Resources: https://www.avenuecalgary.com/top-40-under-40/2024/jason-ribeiro/
Podcast Highlights
Please note: This highlight is generated by a computer and may contain errors.
Introduction
Tim Borys opens the episode by welcoming Jason Ribeiro, who shares his excitement about blending basketball, business, life, and leadership.
The Inspiration Behind Calgary Surge
Jason recounts growing up near Toronto and witnessing the cultural phenomenon sparked by the Raptors’ arrival. When the opportunity to bring a professional basketball team to Calgary arose, he combined his childhood memories, his leadership background, and Calgary’s growing diversity to build something transformational.
The Power of Partnerships
Jason stresses that building a professional team was not about vanity or ego—it was about building authentic partnerships with charitable organizations, universities, businesses, and the broader community. The Surge’s mission: to hold up a mirror to Calgary’s identity and make the team a reflection of the city’s hopes and dreams.
Leadership Lessons for Executives
Tim and Jason explore how humility combined with decisive action creates stronger leadership. Jason shares real-world examples, such as mandating that 30% of game music not be in English to reflect Calgary’s multicultural identity—showing how leaders can mix openness with firm decision-making to foster innovation and inclusion.
Innovative Community Impact: Surge Assist Program
Jason discusses launching the Surge Assist Program with Kids Up Front, ensuring thousands of underserved children receive opportunities to attend games. This program has become a model for other teams across Canada, exemplifying how business success and social good can go hand-in-hand.
Managing Seasonality and Driving Year-Round Growth
Jason talks about the challenge of running a seasonal business and their strategy to blur the lines between seasons by experimenting with events, expanding partnerships, and extending community engagement beyond basketball games.
Leadership Philosophy
Jason sums up his leadership philosophy in two principles:
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Adapt or Die: Constant innovation and openness to change are essential for lasting success.
Looking Ahead
Jason shares that the Calgary Surge plans to double down on the fusion of sports, arts, and culture, continuing to innovate and build a brand that reflects Calgary’s dynamic future.
