Atlantic

Andrea Feunekes
CEO & Co-founder, Remsoft

The pandemic has disproportionally impacted women and minority entrepreneurs. How can we fast forward to overcome progress lost to reach gender equality in our entrepreneurial ecosystem?
We need to work harder to meet women, Indigenous and other marginalized entrepreneurs where they are today and support their journey in the way they need to be supported. That may be different from the traditional approach — and it may be a better approach! This needs to become a priority for all of us if we are committed to growing a vibrant, innovative and unstoppable entrepreneurial community.

Robyn Brown*
President (retired), Eddy Group Limited

How do we turn ambitions into action?
Say “yes” to your dream, create a plan and execute with boldness and decisiveness. Obstacles will threaten to sidetrack you; accept them and use them to spark your creativity and adaptability.

Anne Whelan*
CEO, Seafair Capital

Could the toughest time inspire the greatest solutions?
Absolutely. Tough times imply change is coming – and thinking about problems in a new way is an essential part of managing change. COVID is driving lots of innovation at both the systems level and the business level. We are also realizing how interdependent we all are – so it’s likely that more diverse voices will be engaged in solving some big problems.

Kim Keating
COO, The Cahill Group 

What is the value of putting purpose over profit?
It’s a key differentiator to attracting and retaining talent. Businesses that value long-term positive impacts over short-term profits have been able to not only generate profits but also withstand shifts in the economy since they are based on a purpose that results in positive impacts on their employees and customers. 

Laurie MacKeigan*
President, Backman Vidcom

How does entrepreneurial ambition help create global unity?
The drive to create and grow is in a lot of us and makes us want to improve our lives and the lives of others. 

Kent Scales
CEO, Scales Group of Companies