Ottawa, December 4 - This past November, I had the opportunity to participate in something special— the third annual “Inspire The Next” event hosted by The Novas Group. This wasn’t just your typical networking event, it was a vibrant collision of ideas, generations, and perspectives, all united by a single, powerful question: “What if?”

The Event: Building a Better Ottawa

“Inspire The Next” is a yearly gathering that brings together industry changemakers and aspiring leaders. This year's theme, “The Future of Ottawa,” was deliberately broad, creating space for expansive and meaningful conversations. Moderated by Emmanuel Antonin, the panel dove deep into the heart of Ottawa's potential, exploring creativity, innovation, and actionable solutions for some of the challenges our city is facing.

A Room Alive with Possibility

As a panellist, I was struck by the energy in the room. We weren’t just discussing problems, we were imagining possibilities. The panel beautifully blended perspectives from seasoned professionals to young entrepreneurs creating a rich tapestry of insights into Ottawa’s entrepreneurial landscape. The expression “intergenerational synergy,” coined by author and attendee Steve Georgopoulos captures the event’s essence.

Our discussions touched on critical topics, including the state of entrepreneurship in Ottawa, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in an emerging market, as well as strategies for attracting and retaining talent.

Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome

One of my most profound takeaways was the continuity of the learning process. Like many professionals, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. The feeling of being less experienced or knowledgeable than others around me. This event taught me an invaluable lesson, learning is a two-way street.

The founders thought leaders and executives in the room weren’t just sharing wisdom, they were genuinely open to hearing different perspectives. Their humility and curiosity were inspiring. It reinforced the idea that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their stage in their professional journey.

The Novas Group: Catalysts of Innovation

The magic of this event wouldn’t have been possible without The Novas Group. What started as a project-based organization has evolved into a dynamic innovation firm that bridges generations and ideas. Their dedication to fostering opportunities and building a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Looking Ahead

As the evening concluded and conversations continued during the networking session, one thing was unmistakably clear, Ottawa is brimming with potential. We're not just waiting for the future, we're actively creating it, one innovative idea at a time.

I can't wait to see what “Inspire The Next” will bring in the coming years. Here's to the dreamers, the doers, and everyone brave enough to ask, “What if?”