I began my career in Advertising and Marketing Communications, drawing on a foundation in Visual Arts and Graphic Design. Thirteen years ago, I founded Bedouin, a design consultancy dedicated to creatively addressing the evolving needs of clients across startups, enterprises, and government. This path led me into the tech ecosystem, where I launched two startups. While they showed early signs of traction, they ultimately didn’t succeed because I lacked the foundational knowledge needed to build a successful startup.
I recently shared my motivation for pursuing a Master in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) at the University of Waterloo. The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business has been transformative on this journey. You can find that story on LinkedIn.
But now that you know why I joined, let’s dive into my experience so far.
Why "Fire Alarms"?
The title captures my MBET journey perfectly. Within three weeks of joining, I accidentally set off the fire alarm while attending class in the Engineering building, resulting in a full evacuation. This moment - embarrassing as it was - didn’t just teach me caution; it highlighted essential MBET concepts: Identify (the problem), Validate (with the customer), Execute (swiftly), and Reflect (on lessons learned).
The MBET Program in Three Parts
1. Academic Foundations and Entrepreneurial Skills: We dive deeply into the world of innovation, learning critical management and leadership skills as entrepreneurs. Each course is carefully designed to connect foundational theories with real-world applications.
2. Venture Building (Learning Through Real-World Application): The heart of MBET, guided by David Rose, challenges us to refine our ideas quickly and strategically. I’m currently building my third startup, Kintrace - a storytelling platform for immigrants and multicultural families to capture and share their unique heritage.
3. Industry Connections and Practical Experience: The Conrad School’s strong industry connections have opened up incredible opportunities, from visits to Communitech and Google to intensive programs like Velocity’s Cornerstone. These experiences provide validation and real-world insights that are shaping Kintrace’s direction.
A Supportive, Diverse Community
One of the highlights of MBET is the incredible faculty, with each instructor bringing their unique expertise. The program’s diversity is also a standout feature, exposing me to languages and cultures from across the world, which has enriched my experience and perspective.
Reflections and Takeaways
Since joining MBET, my understanding of entrepreneurship has evolved. The program has given me not only the skills but also the confidence and clarity to face the startup world’s complexities head-on. One crucial lesson I’ve taken to heart is that “assumptions are deadly” - a reminder to challenge and validate every step as I build.
For anyone considering MBET, I can personally attest to the impact this program can have on both your skill set and mindset. So, if you’re ready to spark change in your entrepreneurial journey, be prepared to set off a few fire alarms and dive in fully - there’s no better place to do it than here.