'It's time to change our tune': Tibando on shifting to a more innovative path for Canadians

Key Concepts

• Canadian Self-Sufficiency and Infrastructure Investment: The US trade war has spurred a need for Canada to become more self-reliant and increase investment in its domestic infrastructure and companies.
• Canadian Willingness to Innovate: A survey indicates a low percentage of Canadians (32%) feel more willing to be innovative, highlighting a need to foster this trait.
• Shift Canada's Mission: An organization focused on instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation, specifically targeting youth from grades 5 to 12.
• Embracing Failure: A core tenet of Shift Canada's approach, aiming to reframe failure as a learning opportunity rather than a deterrent.
• Fear of Failure in Canada: Canada ranks high globally in fear of failure, which hinders new business ventures, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
• Factors Contributing to Risk Aversion: Comfort, complacency, and potentially less market competition in Canada are cited as reasons for this fear.
• Support for Entrepreneurs: The need for early-stage support from investors and customers is crucial for risk-taking individuals.
• Role of Leadership and Investment: Leaders and those in charge of investment and procurement must also embrace risk to amplify and celebrate entrepreneurial success.
• Business and Government Involvement: Businesses are actively involved through advisory boards, recognizing the link between bold thinking and national prosperity.
• Talent Retention: Supporting ambitious entrepreneurs within Canada is key to retaining talent, as they will seek environments that embrace their growth.
• Program Reach and Impact: Shift Canada has reached 162,000 children and aims to double that, with anecdotal evidence of students finding their voice and courage to pursue ideas.

Shift Canada: Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit in Canadian Youth

The Need for Innovation and Self-Sufficiency

The current geopolitical climate, marked by the US trade war, has created a significant impetus for Canada to enhance its self-sufficiency and bolster investments in domestic infrastructure and companies. This drive for internal strength is coupled with a desire for greater innovation within the country. However, a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research for Shift Canada reveals a concerning statistic: only 32% of Canadians perceive an increase in their own or the nation's willingness to innovate over the past year. This data underscores a critical gap that Shift Canada aims to address.

Shift Canada's Approach: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Spirit

Shift Canada is actively working to improve this innovation statistic by focusing on nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit in the younger generation. AJ Tando, CEO of Shift Canada, explains that while Canadians are often characterized as risk-averse, there's a growing recognition that a shift in mindset is necessary for national progress. The organization believes that Canada cannot reach its full potential without embracing boldness and ambition. The turbulent past year, Tando suggests, has served as a catalyst, shaking some Canadians out of complacency and highlighting the urgency for change.

Instilling Drive in Youth (Grades 5-12)

When engaging with young individuals from grades 5 to 12, Shift Canada's primary focus is on instilling a drive to "try and go for it." This approach is rooted in the understanding that future national prosperity is contingent upon competitiveness and productivity. A cornerstone of their methodology is teaching children to embrace failure. Tando highlights that the fear of failure is a significant barrier to pursuing entrepreneurial ideas and stepping outside comfort zones.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and Canadian Fear of Failure

Canada's apprehension towards failure is not merely anecdotal; it is statistically significant. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Canada ranks highest globally in terms of fear of failure hindering new business creation. Shift Canada directly confronts this by normalizing failure as an acceptable experience and an integral part of a learning journey. The organization emphasizes that by becoming comfortable with failure and extracting lessons from setbacks, young people, and subsequently adults, will be more inclined to attempt new and ambitious endeavors.

Understanding and Addressing Risk Aversion

The discussion delves into the reasons behind Canada's pronounced fear of failure. While acknowledging that Canada's comfort level is not inherently negative, it can lead to complacency. Furthermore, some Canadian markets may experience less competition compared to other nations, potentially contributing to a reduced impetus for aggressive innovation. While policy changes and investment environments are crucial for fostering entrepreneurship, Tando stresses that a fundamental mindset shift – a willingness to "just go for it" – is paramount to realizing the benefits of these structural changes.

The Role of Support Systems and Leadership

Tando, drawing from his own entrepreneurial background, observes that while many Canadians are inherently risk-taking, they often struggle to find adequate support in the early stages of their ventures. This lack of support, whether from early-stage investors or customers willing to take a chance, can lead to ideas faltering or entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in more receptive markets. Therefore, embracing failure as a teaching tool for youth is vital, but it is equally important for leaders in investment, procurement, and decision-making roles to adopt this mindset. By amplifying and celebrating the successes of risk-takers, a pathway is created for others to follow suit.

Business and Government Collaboration

The initiative garners support from the business community, with numerous leaders joining Shift Canada's advisory board. These individuals recognize that Canada's future prosperity is intrinsically linked to its capacity for bold thinking and ambition. Their involvement signifies a commitment to taking decisive action and championing this cause.

Talent Retention and Ecosystem Support

A significant challenge in Canada is retaining talent. Tando posits that while many talented individuals wish to remain in the country, they often find the existing ecosystem unsupportive of their ambitions. Consequently, they are compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere. The ability to support risk-taking entrepreneurs is therefore crucial for keeping talent within Canada. If individuals feel unsupported or lack the resources to grow their ideas, they will inevitably look for more conducive environments.

Measurable Successes and Program Impact

Shift Canada's program has been operational for two years, and early successes are becoming evident. Last year, the program reached 162,000 children across Canada, with a goal to double this reach this year. Anecdotal evidence from students highlights the program's effectiveness in unlocking their potential, fostering courage, and enabling them to articulate their ideas more confidently. Many students, including self-described introverts who were previously reserved, have found their voice and passion through the program, leading them to initiate new projects and activities within their communities.

Conclusion

Shift Canada is actively addressing a critical need for increased innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in Canada. By reframing the perception of failure and fostering a culture of boldness and ambition, particularly among youth, the organization aims to build a more self-sufficient and prosperous future for the country. The initiative emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual mindset, supportive ecosystems, and leadership commitment in driving entrepreneurial success and retaining valuable talent.