New Beginnings

Let me begin this new chapter by reintroducing ourselves. 

We are the Telfer Business Journal, dedicated to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive writing community within the Telfer School of Management. Our goal is to foster the exchange of knowledge and to encourage personal growth among students passionate about business. We provide a platform where diverse perspectives converge to discuss, analyze, and share insights on various business phenomena, while also spotlighting the achievements and events that define the Telfer community. Formerly known as The Market Mavericks, we rebranded to communicate our mission and values better. Despite the new name, our core principles remain unchanged, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation in business journalism. 

The idea behind The Market Mavericks originally sparked in June 2023, when I, a soon-to-be fourth-year undergraduate student, identified a gap in the Telfer School of Management's club ecosystem. There wasn't a space where writers from diverse backgrounds could collaborate on topics they were most passionate about. Most Canadian business schools such as the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business and the University of Toronto�s Rotman School of Management have established platforms that enable students to share their thoughts on various business happenings. Recognizing this, I aimed to create a similar forum within Telfer, and thus The Market Mavericks was born. 

In our first year of operations, I was frequently asked, "Why is your club named The Market Mavericks?" It�s a fair question. Our name wasn't as immediately clear compared to the other organizations in our student community. A maverick is someone unorthodox or independently minded, and my primary goal as the founder was to create a space where open dialogue could thrive without any judgment. I wanted a place where new ideas could develop into content for our community. As for "market," I simply enjoyed the alliteration�it sounded catchy! I have no regrets about naming the club The Market Mavericks, but as we grew and became more aligned with Telfer's mission and values, we realized we needed a name that better communicated our mission and reflected this alignment. Perhaps, my quantitative, analytical, and mathematical mind drifted off during the branding lecture in my introductory marketing class. 

An Appreciation for History

Winston Churchill, often regarded as one of the wisest leaders in history, famously stated, "The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see." So, let�s start from the beginning. 

In June 2023, minutes after drafting the inaugural club constitution, I reached out to my friend and academic colleague, Adam Said. His entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable vision for ambitious projects were precisely what I needed to launch this club. Our initial phone conversation stretched over seventy minutes, and by its conclusion, Adam had assumed the role of the very first Editor-in-Chief. Throughout the remainder of the summer, we diligently worked to solidify our plan before presenting it to A�TSA.

However, to achieve our goals, we knew we needed additional assistance. The next priority was to get the word out through social media channels, but also through inter-club networks within the faculty which led to the hiring of our first VP Marketing, Grace Matthews, and VP of External Affairs, Antoinette Akkawi. These two brilliant businesswomen brought invaluable expertise and dedication to our team. Grace Matthews's strategic acumen and digital marketing prowess proved instrumental in expanding our reach across various social media platforms. Meanwhile, Antoinette Akkawi's extensive network and diplomatic finesse enabled us to forge vital partnerships with other student clubs within the faculty and external stakeholders. Finally, to guarantee the seamless execution of our first writer recruitment and enhance the club experience for our members, VP of Internal Affairs, M�lodie Leblond-Champagne led the formation of our initial team, several of whom remain integral members to this day. Under her leadership, we established a strong foundation that continues to shape our organization's culture and success. I owe these four crucial members of the team, and dear friends, a debt of gratitude for their unwavering dedication to our organization. Together, their contributions propelled our organization forward, laying the groundwork for our future success.

We approached our pitch to the Student Council in September with a sense of anticipation and confidence. Months of tireless effort and collaboration led us to this moment, where we were ready to unveil the vision and potential of The Market Mavericks. The days leading up to the final submission of our constitution were marked by meticulous inspection, and fueled by caffeine! I found myself pouring over the document countless times, recognizing the weight each word carried in shaping our values, mission, and team dynamics, as we aimed to lay a solid foundation for sustainability. 

Amidst this intense preparation, the significance of September 12th, 2023 loomed large. It was the day The Market Mavericks would officially secure its place as a club within the Telfer School of Management. This milestone marked not only a beginning but also a testament to our dedication, perseverance, and collective vision for the future. 

In our inaugural year of operations, the club achieved a great level of productivity and consistently. Our team accomplished producing multiple articles a month, a feat only made possible through the collaborative efforts of students representing diverse backgrounds, academic specializations, and club affiliations. Together, we pooled our talents and perspectives to produce over 35 articles that explored a wide array of topics within the realm of business and events of the Telfer School of Management. 

As the academic year progressed and momentum continued to build, we found ourselves at a pivotal moment in our journey. With the approach of February came the beginning of an ambitious rebranding endeavour. This marked the start of an exciting chapter for our organization, as we started the task of reimagining The Market Mavericks brand. Amidst the whirlwind of change and growth, we turned our attention to recruiting new executives and writers for the upcoming 2024-2025 year. This period of transition was characterized by a remarkable sense of enthusiasm and anticipation, as our organization embraced the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.

Now, here we are! I�m writing this in the final weeks of July, ahead of the launch of our new state-of-the-art website. Our new website embodies this commitment by providing a more engaging and seamless experience for our readers while also streamlining our editorial workflow. I�m very excited for this article to be the very first article to be published on the platform, and for you, dear reader who keeps us motivated to write, to enjoy it on your end! With each step forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community where dialogue flourishes and ideas thrive. We strive to keep empowering minds and elevating business in every opportunity we chase, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the heart of the Telfer Business Journal.

I�m proud of our past and inspired by the clearer communication of our mission as we move forward.

The Catalytic Read

To end this article, I want to address a question I�ve been asked a lot since the inception of our organization: What�s your advice for starting a club or an association in a student community?

Start - just start!

On the opening page of his book Shoe Dog, Phil Knight, the founder of Nike states: "The coward never started, and the weak died along the way - that leaves us". This very line changed everything for me. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of courage and resilience in the face of challenge. Inspired by Knight's words, we embarked on a journey to create the Telfer Business Journal.

This was our catalyst moment, a turning point where we committed to fostering a community that values creativity, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. At the Telfer Business Journal, we believe that every great endeavour starts with a single, courageous step; writing the first sentence, sparking the first dialogue, and initiating networking opportunities. We strive to empower students to explore and articulate their business ideas, providing them with a supportive environment where collective aspirations grow.

But our vision extends beyond the walls of the Telfer Business Journal. We aim to inspire you, not only to join our vibrant community but also to take the leap and start your projects. Whether it's launching a new club, starting a business, or pursuing a passion project, the journey begins with the decision to start. Remember, the greatest innovations often come from those who dare to take the first step, who are unafraid to face uncertainty, and who persist in the face of adversity. Start - just start!

By joining the Telfer Business Journal, you'll be part of a dynamic and inclusive community dedicated to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to meaningful discussions. And as you immerse yourself in this environment, let it catalyze your entrepreneurial spirit. So, whether you choose to join us at the Telfer Business Journal or venture out to create your path, know that your journey has the potential to inspire others and create a lasting impact. 

This new year brought a new name, and we�re embracing the change. We have lots in store for you. You won�t want to miss it!