Last week I had the pleasure of being a part of AccelerateTO, working with some of Toronto's best technology entrepreneurs, influencers, and investors.
Good design comes from research, a fair amount of complex thinking, and the practical application of design principles. But, great design comes from collaboration, testing your assumptions, and having your team ask the tough question; "Why?"
Competition matters. But as Canadians, we're ready to hold open the door, smile friendly hellos and return the extra change. Instead of viewing our kind and open nature as a hinderance, shouldn't we acknowledge Canada's ability to collaborate as a competitive advantage?
This week marks my six months with Jet Cooper.
Changing your career path and entering a new industry can be difficult. I come from a non-profit and political background, which meant that adjusting to the open, collaborative, and loving culture of Jet Cooper took some time. It was a shock that all it took to try out my new ideas was to mention them. Seriously?!
#LeanCoffeeTO from Eighteen Eighty on Vimeo.
Of all the meetups I’ve ever been a part of, this one has proven to have the most value, the most relevance, and the best possible group of likeminds you could hope to find in a city.
LeanCoffeeTO is a peer group of entrepreneurs in Toronto. 25 to 30 people have been attending every session for 20 weeks. We’ve seen each other’s businesses face and overcome challenges – and have been there to share and absorb the lessons.
Last week, our friends at Eighteen Eighty captured the dynamic in story.