She Rebuilt from Rock Bottom to Blockchain Leader with Koleya Karringten

In Episode 224 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Koleya Karringten — a tech visionary, clean energy innovator, and blockchain leader who has redefined resilience in the face of extreme adversity. From growing up in an entrepreneurial family to co-founding one of the cleanest combustion tech companies in the world, Koleya shares the highs and heartbreaking lows of her journey — including personal loss, business collapse, and the pressure of carrying a legacy. Her story is raw, real, and unforgettable.

But it’s not just about the challenges — it’s about how she turned them into fuel for reinvention. Koleya walks us through her shocking pivot into blockchain, the founding of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, and the mindset it takes to lead with clarity and conviction in industries dominated by men. Along the way, she opens up about mental health, self-leadership, and building a business and life that actually align. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your purpose, or your ability to keep going — this is the episode that will remind you what’s possible.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience is a daily decision — not something you’re born with, but something you build every time you choose to keep going.

2. Real leadership begins with deep inner work — personal growth and emotional intelligence are essential to leading others effectively.

3. Innovation driven by purpose will always outlast hype — Koleya entered blockchain to protect people, not to chase trends.

4. Failure doesn’t mean you’re done — it’s often the exact experience that sharpens your focus and fuels your next success.

5. Balance is designed, not discovered — peak performance requires structured time for both hustle and healing.

6. Your story is your superpower — transparency about your journey builds unmatched credibility and connection.

7. Never stop being a student — continual learning and mentorship are non-negotiable for sustainable leadership.

8. Empowered teams create exponential growth — let go of control and focus on building trust with the right people.

9. Purpose-first technology changes the world — when innovation solves real problems, it creates real value.

10. Authenticity is your competitive edge — leading with honesty, vulnerability, and vision breaks barriers and inspires action.

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Capital Business Development
2. Absolute Combustion International
3. Canadian Blockchain Consortium
4. Canadian Blockchain Association for Women
5. Alberta Innovates
6. NRC
7. IRAP
8. NAIT

Mentioned in this episode:

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