For aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building a business, Mary Jane Braide offers a powerful message: try to be patient, because growth takes time. "Late Bloomer"—the title she's chosen for her hypothetical autobiography—reflects her belief that "my work, my relationships, my impact, all get better with time."
As a strategist, brand coach, and mentor with the Centre for Entrepreneurship’s (CfE) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), Braide instills this belief in others, fostering the fearlessness and strategic thinking crucial for entrepreneurial success. Her consulting work spans global banks and grassroots social purpose organizations, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in corporate strategy, governance, brand positioning, and strategic narrative. As an independent strategic advisor, she brings this breadth of experience to her mentorship, helping mentees to discover their own path through insightful questioning and strategic guidance.
"Fearlessness," she asserts, "is a skill”." For her, fearlessness is the conviction to challenge norms and believe in oneself. This belief fuels her work both professionally and as a mentor, where she helps others to cultivate courage.
"My first formal mentoring experiences were at MaRS Discovery District and the Rotman School of Management," she reflects. "In those roles, I learned a pivotal lesson: true mentorship isn't about coming up with solutions, but about asking great questions, clearing away the noise, and empowering individuals to find their own answers. It's the essence of coaching, and it solidified my approach."
Braide also draws inspiration from her family's long history with the University of Toronto. As a third-generation alumna, she notes, "Women in my family have been active at U of T for over 100 years. I have to keep that alive." This desire to honour her family legacy, combined with her admiration for the university's work and her passion for fostering entrepreneurial talent in Canada, fuels her commitment to mentoring. "If I can help translate youthful entrepreneurial energy into great things for Canada," she explains, "that would give me a very deep sense of satisfaction."
Braide views mentorship as a relationship built on mutual respect and shared discovery. "It's a concept I'm a bit uneasy with because true mentorship is earned, not granted," she explains, emphasizing a peer-like dynamic rather than a traditional hierarchy. Inspired by mentees who demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to something bigger than themselves, her advice to young entrepreneurs is to seek mentors who provide candid feedback and a safe space for vulnerability. "Everyone needs at least one person who can cut through it all, and with whom they can be 100% themselves," she says.
Braide appreciates the VMS program's emphasis on mentor development and collaborative growth. "What sets VMS apart is its focus on nurturing the mentors themselves," she observes, recognizing the power of continuous learning and shared knowledge within the mentor network. She also values the co-mentoring model, highlighting its ability to amplify impact. "My experience with my co-mentor, Victor Brunka, has been incredibly enriching, both for me and our mentee," she shares.
As we acknowledge and celebrate the multifaceted achievements of women this International Women's Day, Braide's story resonates with particular strength. It exemplifies the diverse forms leadership can take, highlighting how empowering others to find their own voice is a powerful act of leadership in itself. Her dedication to fostering fearlessness, strategic thinking, and self-discovery in those she mentors, makes her a true force for change, shaping not just businesses, but the lives and legacies of those she guides.
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Feeling inspired? Learn more about the Venture Mentoring Service. Recruitment of mentors and mentees for the next cycle of the program will begin in Spring 2025 – stay tuned for more details!