CanWIT Luncheon Series Presents Growing a Technology-Based Business
via CanWIT BC Chapter: One out of five women in BC work in technology and this number has nearly doubled 
in the last decade. With more and more women choosing a career in technology, understanding what it takes to grow a technology-based business becomes increasingly important for those looking to advance into leadership roles. No matter what phase a company is in—from bootstrapping start-up to one that has established a foundation and is looking to move to the next level—growth is a critical success factor and important part of the discussion—whether it is achieving it, managing the impact of it or understanding the strategies that drive it.
Join CanWIT for an engaging luncheon on October 26th with an expert panel of women in technology who will discuss their experiences, best practices and lessons learned about growing a technology-based company. Following a discussion moderated by Colleen Collins, Associate Dean at Simon Fraser University, the panel members will participate in interactive breakout sessions at the tables with attendees.
This luncheon will be held at the Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville Street, with doors opening at 11:30a.m. Tickets for this event are $47.00 per person and include luncheon buffet with dessert. This event is presented with the assistance of sponsors Deloitte & Touche LLP, Lawson Lundell and Beedie School of Business at SFU.
Speakers:
Laurie Schultz, President and COO, ACL Services: With over 12 years of experience in the software sector with Intuit and Sage, Laurie has led 10 different software businesses spanning personal finance through small business accounting and mid-market Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. In August, 2011 Laurie joined ACL Services as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, Laurie was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sage North America’s mid-market ERP portfolio where she was accountable for seven products sold in over 100 countries through a reseller channel of 2000 Partners and an employee base of 600 spread over six campuses.
Amielle Lake, CEO of Tagga Media Inc: Amielle Lake is the CEO of Tagga Media, an end-to-end mobile solutions company. Tagga’s campaign management platform utilizes the mobile device to connect consumers to a brand’s advertising media, and provides detailed insight into consumer interactions.
Prior to founding Tagga, Amielle held a range of executive marketing and corporate development roles across the software, financial services and mining market sectors. She currently sits on the boards for Mobile Marketing Assn Canada, DigiBC, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, NextMedia, and Kids Up Front. Amielle holds an MBA, a B.A., and is a published author. Her book, The Elephant Hunters, is about how social interactions determine outcomes in the financial world. Outside of the office, she is an aspiring cyclist, competitive swimmer, and devotee of the culinary arts.
Jeanette Jackson, Founding CEO / Current CMO of Light-Based Technologies: Jeanette is a high-integrity, energetic leader known for her ability to envision and create successful outcomes in complex business environments. Jeanette was the founding CEO of Light-Based Technologies from 2004 to 2011, during which time she led the company through two successful rounds of financing, oversaw the growth of the team to over 20 people, and successfully recruited a strong management team to drive the company forward. Jeanette graduated from Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Business in 2003.
Facilitator:
Colleen Collins, Associate Dean, Simon Fraser University: An Associate Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean, Dr. Colleen Collins is interested in how customers and firms make product decisions – especially for new products and technology. Her research examines the influence of brand names and entrepreneurial marketing efforts on high tech product purchases and exporting decisions. She has taught Marketing of High Tech Goods and Services in the MOT MBA, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Research Methods. The recipient of a 1999 TD Canada Trust Excellence in Teaching Award, Colleen always aspired to be a teacher and completed her PhD at the University of Alberta. Prior to that, she was Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed’s research assistant.
