The GovMaker Podcast

In this first interview of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into the public sector and the insights she’s gained from working across government, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.
We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments.
Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.
The conversation also turns to storytelling as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

In this first interview of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into the public sector and the insights she’s gained from working across government, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.
We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments.
Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.
The conversation also turns to storytelling as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

In the first episode of Season 3, Sarah Doyle reflects on her journey into public policy and the insights she’s gained from working across government, including machinery of government roles, as well as from her time at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and MaRS Discovery District.
We explore what mission-oriented government looks like beyond the theory: how public institutions build the capacity to work across silos, collaborate with actors outside government, and operate in fast-moving, interconnected environments. Sarah shares concrete examples of where mission-oriented approaches have taken root, what’s helped them succeed, and what continues to get in the way.
The conversation also turns to storytelling—not as communications or spin, but as a core capability that shapes public understanding, influences what governments see as possible, and expands the range of policy and program options on the table.

New season, new intro! In this episode of the GovMaker podcast, hosts Nick Scott and Jason Pearman are joined by Pond Deshpande, Executive Director, Vanessa Paesani, to discuss the upcoming season and the 2025 GovMaker Conference in partnership with the Canadian Open Data Summit. The episode includes reflections on past seasons and a preview of what's to come in Season 3!

In this final episode of the GovMaker podcast season two, we bring you an exclusive live recording from GovMaker 2024. Hosted by Nick Scott, this special episode features an insightful conversation with the newly elected Premier of New Brunswick, Susan Holt.

During the discussion, Premier Holt reflects on her inspiring journey to the highest office in the province, sharing the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped her leadership style. She opens up about the profound influence her parents had on her values and approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of integrity, resilience, and empathy.

As the conversation unfolds, Holt explores the critical role of collaboration in effective governance, stressing how building meaningful connections and fostering cooperation across sectors are essential for transforming government. With a focus on the future, she discusses her vision for New Brunswick and the importance of creating a more innovative, and forward-thinking government.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on the role of leadership in shaping our collective future.