Behind every successful student organization is a leader navigating challenges, growth, and innovation. We sat down with the President of GES to learn more about their journey, what entrepreneurship means to them, and how they balance leadership with the demands of student life. From inspiring entrepreneurs to exciting plans for the future, here’s what they had to share.

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1. How has this experience shaped your perspective on entrepreneurship and leadership?

Before joining GES, I knew what entrepreneurs were, but that was about it. While being on the team, I have developed a newfound respect for entrepreneurs, and I have learned to understand the courage and the strength it takes to start your own business. I have met so many incredible and inspiring entrepreneurs such as the Poppy’s Bagels team, Crafty Ramen, the Pilates in Guelph owner, and more, whom have really touched me with their stories and have allowed me to gain insight into what it means to be a leader and to run your own company.
Not only have I met small business owners outside of the University, but I have also had the chance to meet inspiring students who are looking into starting their own businesses. I have learned from these students that no one is going to do things for you.

If you have a vision, or if you have a dream, you have to take risks and go for what you want in order to reach your goals. 

Leading this team has allowed me to better understand myself and what kind of leader I am as well. I have learned that I do not want to be an autocratic leader. I want to be involved with what I am asking of my team and to be a part of our journey to success.

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2. How did you balance running the club with your academic and personal commitments?

Learning to balance being president of the club while also being in school, having a part-time job, and/or being away on Co-op, has been a struggle and a learning experience that has honestly not been an easy one. My current Co-op position requires me to work from my hometown which is far from Guelph. This unfortunately does not allow me to be in-person for everything I would like to be. However, this battle has taught me that it is important to block out time each day to check-in on my team as well as to determine what important meetings, events, and team outings I feel are crucial to be in-person for.
Another aspect of life is of course being social. It can be difficult to fit time in to do social activities with so much else going on in your life, and this is why when hiring my team, I wanted to bring in a group of likeminded individuals who not only could work together professionally, but also were able to easily socialize and form relationships deeper than just teammates.

Overall, as someone who is in the thick of it, I fully believe that if you really plan out your time and your days wisely, it is possible to do it all.

Know yourself and your working style, know your organizational style, and don’t forget to fit in social time when you can!

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3. What are you most excited about for GES in the coming year?

This year, GES has already accomplished so much. I believe that with the team we have now and the strong new hires we having joining us, we are guaranteed to achieve success.
Getting into specifics, this year we introduced our “Profit Pace” event, as well as our “Gryphons Den” event in collaboration with ABL. These are two events that performed very well and I am excited to bring back in the coming year, and years to follow after that.
I am also excited to show you what new events we have in store – stay tuned!
Lastly, I am very much looking forward to building stronger connections with each and every person on the team. We have a group of such creative and intelligent individuals who I learn more and more about everyday!