The Faculty of Engineering hosted an inspiring Q&A session with Jim Estill (BASc ’1980) CEO of Danby Appliances, in a packed event space in Engineering Building 7. The event, titled Discover the Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership, brought together students, faculty, and alumni to engage with one of Waterloo’s most accomplished and philanthropic graduates.
Jim Estill, a proud alumnus of Waterloo’s Systems Design Engineering program, is widely known as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. After founding the technology distribution company EMJ Data and later serving as CEO of SYNNEX, Estill became a prolific investor in technology ventures and a member of BlackBerry’s board of directors. Today, he leads Danby Appliances, where he combines business acumen with a commitment to social good. Beginning in 2015, Estill has supported over 1,000 refugees, including families from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, helping them rebuild their lives in Canada.
Jim Estill answers questions from the audience
Jim Estill with students
The evening began with a warm welcome from Mary Wells, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, who highlighted Estill’s extraordinary achievements in both business and humanitarianism. “As engineers and future leaders, we often hear about the impact of technology and business on our world, but few leaders embody the power of business for social good as profoundly as Jim Estill,” she said, setting the stage for an engaging discussion.
Estill opened his remarks with an anecdote from his university days, sharing how he once missed a midterm exam to meet with a customer—a testament to his early entrepreneurial spirit. His reflections resonated with the audience, underscoring the sacrifices and determination required to succeed.
During the Q&A, Estill tackled questions on investing, offering candid insights into what he looks for in potential ventures. “Can the business scale and pivot?” he asked, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. While acknowledging the unpredictability of a company’s success, he shared his guiding philosophy: “Fail often, fail fast, and fail cheap.” For aspiring entrepreneurs in the room, Estill’s reminder was clear: “Having a failure does not make you a failure.”
When asked about the role of entrepreneurs in creating social good, Estill spoke passionately about his motivation to contribute to humanitarian causes. “I changed my view of wealth. Above a certain level of security, you need to give it away. My work with refugees now drives me to keep working. I want to make more money to do more good,” he said, inspiring attendees with his commitment to using business as a force for positive change.
The conversation then turned to leadership, where Estill shared practical wisdom for future leaders. “An entrepreneur should push back, but also take advice. I’m a regular guy; I don’t know everything!” he said, stressing the importance of integrity, confidence, and listening skills in effective leadership.
The evening concluded with Dean Mary Wells thanking Estill for his candid insights and generosity in sharing his journey. She presented him with a Waterloo Engineering leather jacket, a token of appreciation for his enduring connection to the university.
Jim Estill with Dean Mary Wells