HSC Entrepreneurs Panel

On Friday, October 22, HSC hosted its first ever Entrepreneurs Panel. Three very accomplished alumni offered to meet with the entire Senior School, not only to tell their stories, but to answer questions from students and discuss entrepreneurialism and business. Our guests were:

Bob Young ’72, is a highly successful entrepreneur, and is well known for co-founding Red Hat, the open source software company. In 2003 Bob purchased the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He is also the founder and CEO of Lulu.com, a premiere international marketplace for digital Internet content.

Paul Lee-Chin ’00, serves clients by providing comprehensive investment advice. Paul is a strong believer in mentorship in order to achieve success. In 2007 he began his investment advice practice Mentorship Wealth Management with a relentless determination to create wealth for clients. Following in his father’s footsteps, Paul helps Canadian families achieve financial security.

Justine Fedak ’89, is Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Strategies for Harris Bank, Chicago, which is owned by BMO Financial Group. Justine is responsible for brand positioning, advertising, promotional activities and customer experience creation for the personal, commercial and wealth management businesses in the United States.

Each of our guests provided the students in the Senior School with an autobiographical account of their entrepreneurial experience. They also answered questions that had been submitted beforehand by students. Then, students enrolled in Grade 11 or 12 Economics, Accounting, or Finance remained for less formal interactions, including a fun-filled business Jeopardy contest!

All proceedings were managed and directed by students, led by MCs Mayson Galoni and Jill Denns and their right-hand man Curtis Urbanowicz. Other student contributors included: Meaghan Tremblay, Colin McEwen, Brianna Stevenson, Killian Murphy, and Tina Zhou. The school appreciates all of their efforts in organizing and conducting this event.

In the end, the Entrepreneurs Panel resonated with many students. The practical lessons learned were invaluable in terms of personal improvement, career choices, life-long learning, and what it takes to be successful.