Meet the six judges who picked the 10 to Watch 2018 winners — and read some business advice they have to share.
Cathy Whitehead McIntyre
Principal, Strategic Initiatives Inc.
“Fail fast — experiment lots, try stuff and learn from every experience, but be nimble and make changes when things aren’t working. Know when to stay the course and when to course-correct.”
Deirdre Campbell
Managing Director, Canada, Beattie Tartan
“I tell new entrepreneurs to surround themselves with people who inspire and challenge them. Build your own personal advisory group to bounce ideas off of, pick their brains and ask for feedback. Key to keeping these advisers engaged is to heed their advice — and if you don’t, explain why.”
Jim Hayhurst
CEO, Pretio Interactive
“My dad (a former ad man) always told his clients,“It’s not about your grass seed — it’s about their lawn.” In tech, especially, we talk too much about our tools. But people buy outcomes.”
Heidi Sherwood
CEO, SATTVA Spa
“To perfect your decision making, you have to know yourself. If you are under the influence of the needs and desires of others, you can’t make an authentic decision. Get comfortable with your line in the sand.”
Dr. Pedro Márquez
VP, Global Advancement, Marketing and Business Development, Royal Roads University
“Cultural prejudice and stereotypes are nothing but erroneous mental shortcuts. Exercise respect, tolerance and understanding; contribute to building a better society while avoiding social embarrassment and costly business mistakes.”
Dr. Rebecca Grant
Associate Professor, Information Systems, University of Victoria
“Stay informed about tech. You don’t have to be a tech wizard yourself. You do need to know what’s happening, what questions to ask and whose answers to trust. If someone can’t explain a tech idea to you — a smart business person — you’re talking to the wrong person.”
