Gaia Orion studied and graduated in Paris as an architect before moving to Canada, becoming a self-made entrepreneur, and a mother of three. In just ten years she built a successful career as an artist — as well as a corporate creativity coach — and has exhibited in cities around the world, with her artwork featured in over 60 different publications.
One of the key ingredients of success for any entrepreneur is to be truly passionate about what you do. But what does it really take to leave a secure corporate career and turn your hobby or interest into a profitable business? Join us on October 21st, as we tap into the trade secrets and compelling journeys of three award-winning entrepreneurs who did exactly that.
As a professor of organizational behaviour at Smith School of Business, Jana Raver looks at how people overcome the challenges of starting a business. Jana has identified three factors that predict the likelihood a business owner will excel or fail. She explains why these matter, and what entrepreneurs can do to succeed.
The job title of Chief Technology Officer isn’t usually associated with diversity and inclusion initiatives — but Rahul Sekhon, CTO at Sun Life, sees things differently. Through his role — and his own actions — he’s playing an important role in attracting and retaining top talent.
Nikki Csek, CEO and co-founder of Csek Creative and NowMedia, is passionate about people. She has cultivated and encouraged a community of diverse people, with various expertise, that has enabled her to thrive in business. We caught up with her ahead of our Spotlight event in Kelowna on October 21st — Following Your Passion: How to Turn a Personal Dream Into a Multi-Million Dollar Business — where she will be the moderator.
It’s common to worry about whether or not you are an effective leader — however, with an array of tools and resources at our fingertips, we can lay those anxieties to rest, and be the leaders we were born to be. Our Co-CEO Stephania Varalli recently completed the Queen’s Leadership Program at Smith School of Business and shares three very important lessons that she learned.
With a degree in Biology from the University of Prince Edward Island, and a strong family history in farming, Emily Mutch, Tissue Culture Lab Manager at FIGR, is passionate about pursuing a career in botany. She is making her mark as a woman in two industries typically dominated by men: science and cannabis. Here’s how she did it.
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How working for Scotiabank has enabled Jessica McKenzie to have a deeper connection to her First Nations heritage
How the CTO of Sun Life is using technology to create a more inclusive workplace
How Julie Mitchell built two businesses — and is tapping into technology to run them better
Three tips for getting clarity in your career when life gets murky after children
The three traits of successful entrepreneurs
A Plan for Disruption
