Jun 25, 2019Build community, for you.Recently, I participated as a panelist at an event series called Founders & Makers organized by Susan Charara, herself an entrepreneur. During our pre-panel coffee chat, we talked about what we could explore during the panel and our backgrounds. …Community3 min readCommunity3 min read
Jan 21, 2019Making space better.A re-introduction, an update, and what we’re building at the intersection of brand, culture and physical space. Every year during the holiday break, in between all the family gatherings, and catching up on my Netflix ‘watch later’ list, I get a chance to analyze the year that was and update…Real Estate6 min readReal Estate6 min read
Nov 24, 2015Return on CommunityReflecting on the adventure building Startup Edmonton, challenges for our community, and thinking about what’s next. A few weeks ago during Startup Week, I quietly tendered my resignation as the CEO of Startup Edmonton and Director of Entrepreneurship at Edmonton Economic Development. …Entrepreneurship6 min readEntrepreneurship6 min read
Apr 26, 2015The Way ForwardWhy the path to true diversification in Alberta is about leadership and communities, not industries and political parties. The glorious bubble of Alberta is cracking. Thousands of new people and talent are moving in our cities and communities. Hundreds of entrepreneurs are building in Alberta, producing and exporting across all…Alberta5 min readAlberta5 min read
Feb 8, 2015When Founders Become LeadersLast week, we celebrated as four founders and two longstanding companies left the nest to grow in their new offices. In the spring of 2012, we received an application for our inaugural Preflight course at Startup Edmonton. I emailed my co-founder Cam Linke and went back and forth about whether…3 min read3 min read
Jan 25, 2015Feeding the Full-Stack Entrepreneurial CommunityHow to rethink the role of local government and economic development organizations in entrepreneurial communities. In his book “Startup Communities”, Brad Feld talks about the roles of leaders and feeders in an entrepreneurial community. Entrepreneurial communities work when entrepreneurs lead the way by building companies and organizing community activities. …Culture9 min readCulture9 min read
Nov 23, 2014When Arts + Startups CollideWhy investing in artists is as important as entrepreneurs, scientists and engineers in our communities. It’s not about the product they produce — it’s about the people. After focusing the last few years growing Startup Edmonton, I’ve recently found myself re-engaged in the arts community as the returning co-chair for…Arts And Culture8 min readArts And Culture8 min read
Nov 12, 2014Introducing (the new) Vacancy HallWe’re experimenting with a new pop-up retail and studio space for designers, brands, and entrepreneurs at the Mercer Warehouse. We’re always cooking something up at the Mercer Warehouse. We like to think of it as a big creative lab where we can work with smart, creative entrepreneurs as they turn…3 min read3 min read
Oct 28, 2014The Next Five YearsSome exciting news about the future of Startup Edmonton and what we’re doing to scale up our growth and impact. Our first ever Edmonton Startup Week has come and gone — and it was a blast. In the lead up to Startup Week, I reflected on how our startup community…2 min read2 min read
Oct 19, 2014The Evolution of a Startup CommunityLooking back on the last five years working to ignite Edmonton’s startup community and the story of Startup Edmonton. As we gear up for the first ever Edmonton Startup Week and the fifth edition of Launch Party this week, I put together this graphic reflecting on how our startup/tech community…6 min read6 min read
