The "Small Corner" Mindset: From Dollar Store Habits to the Circular Economy

In this episode host Rea Hailley continues her series called "five questions and one wild story fempreneurs to watch for". Rea sits down with the unstoppable Bibiana Cala—an anthropologist, serial entrepreneur, and champion of the Circular Economy Club of Calgary. Bibiana challenges us to look beyond the convenience of modern consumerism and understand how every purchase connects to a global ecosystem. From the unintended consequences of clothing donations to the philosophy of the "donut economy," she offers a compelling roadmap for a more sustainable future. But this conversation goes deeper than just business and sustainability; Bibiana opens up vulnerably about her journey with ADHD and depression, revealing how she learned to embrace her strengths as a visionary and delegate the rest. Tune in to hear how focusing on changing "your own small corner" can have a massive ripple effect, and stick around for a truly wild story about how she manifested an international move to Norway in less than a week!

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast where we showcase fascinating people who are Leaders, Innovators, and have Big Ideas! Host: Rea Hailley Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurship, Rea leads New Idea Machine in empowering businesses with innovative digital solutions. Having witnessed the grit and triumph of her parents building a business from scratch, Rea is passionate about enabling significant revenue growth and seamless operations for startups and Small/Medium Businesses, ensuring their dedication translates into tangible success.

Guest: Bibiana Cala is passionate about fostering personal growth, community development, and sustainability across sectors. With a background in anthropology, she brings a people-centered perspective to creating meaningful and lasting impact. Over the years, she has supported individuals, businesses, and communities through entrepreneurship training, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development projects. As Co-Founder of Huginn Insight, Bibiana is expanding this work into supply chain management and sustainability, helping small businesses and organizations build more transparent, responsible, and resilient practices. Guided by integrity, collaboration, and a deep love for her family, she believes that authentic connections and shared knowledge can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Show Links:

• Circular Calgary

Show Quotes:

"If we don't do things in a different way, we're just affecting us and we are making things harder for more people. It's not just the planet. The planet has been here... millions, billions of years... The universe is going to be here even without us." "I know some people say, 'You're not going to change the world.' It doesn't matter. If I can change a little bit the corner I am, that's enough." "Just think twice when you're going to buy something. Say, 'Okay, can I find this secondhand? Can I do, maybe I have something at home I can reuse? Can I ask someone if they have it? Do I really need this or I want it?'... That actually makes a difference."

Credits... This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine Episode Music: Tony Del Degan Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan