Geoff Chutter*
CEO, WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.

What are the key driving forces to become an entrepreneur?
Each entrepreneur taps from a different combination of traits. In my case, they included a strong desire to win, passion, a competitive edge, a creative bent, Canadian integrity and demeanor, a strong work ethic, and of course a desire to make Mom proud. 

Jill Earthy
CEO, Women's Enterprise Centre BC 

Women face challenges to secure the capital and resources needed to grow and scale. What can we do to help them overcome this hurdle?
I have a lot to say on this topic. First, we need to recognize that entrepreneurs take many different growth paths, and our current systems, including capital sources, don’t always recognize this. By acknowledging different paths to growth, we will see a broadening of the types of entrepreneurs and business models that grow and thrive. 

Kristi Miller*
Managing Partner, Natural Products Canada (NPC) Ventures

Is an entrepreneur born or made?
I’ve been asked this question before, and my answer hasn’t changed. Both. Some are born to it, others become entrepreneurs because, over time, they realize that the path walked by others just isn’t for them. 

Keith Spencer
Counsel, Fasken Martineau 

What role does technology play in entrepreneurship?
Technology has vastly increased the ability to capture data and understand market opportunities that others may not have previously seen. 

Sacha McLean*
Vice Chairman, McLean Group

How do creative entrepreneurs help solve for the new world?
By being one step ahead of the rest. 

Ali Pejman
Managing Partner, Fort Capital Partners

How does entrepreneurial ambition help create global unity?
Entrepreneurs have to be skilled at bringing a variety of talents and skills together, and their ambitions create a better economy and hence a better place to live.

Maria Pacella
Managing Partner, PenderFund Capital Management 

What do we need to do to build an entrepreneurial system that’s reflective of the makeup of our economy?
Engage our stakeholders in the economy and seek to understand what the challenges and needs are to transform their areas for the economy of the future, while at the same time being open to accepting disruption and perspectives from different disciplines, which is really the source of true innovation. 

*Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni