A packed auditorium at U of T's Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus West buzzed with entrepreneurial energy on March 3rd, as prominent business leaders Som Seif and Stephen Smith ignited the inaugural ‘Share Your Spark’ speaker series, a key event of U of T Entrepreneurship Week. This initiative, spearheaded by the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE), aims to do more than just inspire; it seeks to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tangible insights and connections needed to transform their ideas into thriving ventures.
"Tonight marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit," declared Hong Luo, Academic Director of the CfE, as she opened the program. "Through 'Share Your Spark,' we aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world experience, providing our students with unparalleled access to industry leaders."
The heart of the evening was a dynamic fireside chat between Som Seif, Founder & CEO of Purpose Unlimited, and Stephen Smith, Chairman & CEO of Smith Financial Corporation. Seif, a U of T alumnus (BASc’99), and Smith delved into the raw realities of building and scaling successful businesses.
Smith, whose entrepreneurial success includes First National Financial and Canada Guaranty, provided valuable insights into navigating the financial industry. He emphasized the importance of resilience and calculated risk-taking. Smith's personal life reveals an interesting contrast: a self-described risk-averse businessman who enjoys high-intensity sports like cycling and heli-skiing. Crucially, he advised aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize passion over financial gain, stating that success arises from dedication to what one truly loves.
Following the insightful discussion, Melanie Woodin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, delivered closing remarks, reinforcing the key takeaways and highlighting the importance of entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines. As a token of appreciation, she presented Seif and Smith with custom-made 3D-printed gifts from the CfE labs, showcasing the innovative tools and spaces available to Arts & Science entrepreneurs.
A networking reception followed, allowing attendees to connect, share ideas, and build community within the U of T entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the CfE plans to continue the ‘Share Your Spark’ series in Fall 2025, promising more opportunities to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit across Arts & Science. Details on future speakers and dates will be released in the coming months.