Lamborghini once built tractors. Samsung sold groceries. LG started with facial creams, and IKEA began as a pen company. These origin stories are more than quirky anecdotes. They are powerful reminders of the transformative potential of reinvention. Business models, like the organizations that … [Read more...]
The Future Isn’t Found, It’s Built
“The best way to create the future is to build it.” - Peter Drucker There’s a profound power in Drucker’s words, a truth that resonates deeply across all facets of life. Futures don’t unfold by themselves - they are crafted, brick by brick, by those who dare to move beyond dreaming into … [Read more...]
The Road to TiECon: Capturing Ottawa’s Entrepreneurial Heartbeat
When you’ve been part of something from its earliest spark to its present impact, a particular resonance stays with you - a resonance of purpose, pride, and progress. For me, that something is TiECon Canada. Eleven years ago, on a long drive to Boston, TiECon was born in a conversation that began as … [Read more...]
The Grit Behind the Glee: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Toughness
Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a glamorous journey of innovation and freedom. Yet, behind the allure lies a stark reality that separates dreamers from doers: a unique form of resilience known as entrepreneurial toughness. This intrinsic strength is not merely a trait; it’s a necessity for … [Read more...]
Why Solutions Fall Short: When Understanding Isn’t Enough
For all our passion for solutions - whether to reimagine industries, improve personal lives, or reshape the world around us - the path to real, impactful change is far from simple. Solutions fail, not because we lack effort or intent, but because we often overlook some fundamental truths. In the … [Read more...]
Building TalentBridge: Core Pillars of Innovation, Creativity, and Resilience
From 2008 to 2012, I had the privilege of leading the TalentBridge program at OCRI, dedicated to developing practical innovators - young individuals from Ottawa ready to think creatively, adapt swiftly, and drive meaningful change. Our foundation at TalentBridge was built on a few key principles … [Read more...]
Adaptability and Resilience: The New Blueprint for Success in a Changing World
A recent conversation with Michael LaChapelle on strategic design reminded me of the sheer importance of adaptability and resilience. There’s a certain allure to making plans. Plans give us order, predictability, and a map to follow when the world feels chaotic. They’ve been the bedrock of … [Read more...]
10 Networking Strategies That Worked for an Introvert like Me, and Could Be Equally Useful for Others
Networking can be a daunting task, especially if you're an introvert. And I am as introverted as we come ^_^ The idea of working a room, delivering a rehearsed pitch, or initiating small talk may feel uncomfortable. A lot of this pressure and discomfort around networking comes from the … [Read more...]
Lighthouses, Not Tugboats: The True Role of Mentors in Building Your Own Path
Mentors are often seen as the guiding lights on our journeys - the wise ones who share their experiences, offer insights, and help us avoid costly mistakes. But mentorship isn’t about receiving a set of ready-made answers or a clear-cut map to success. It’s far more nuanced than that. To truly … [Read more...]
The Heartbeat of Strategy: Beyond Metrics and into Meaning
In today’s business environment, it has become almost second nature to assess strategy by financial metrics alone - profits, ROI, and shareholder value have become the cornerstones of strategic discussions. Yet, relying solely on these numbers to determine success risks missing the very foundation … [Read more...]