LEADERS WITHIN REACH: NICOLE MILLWARD

MEET NICOLE

NICOLE LEADS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS AT BRAINSTATION, A PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTION THAT IS POWERING THE NEXT GENERATION WITH DIGITAL SKILLS. SHE HAS PREVIOUSLY WORKED IN THE WORLD OF NON-PROFITS IN BOTH CANADA AND LATIN AMERICA. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT TECH, SCIENCE, AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

Currently I’m managing Business Development at BrainStation, a progressive educational institution that is powering the next generation with digital skills.

HOW HAS YOUR NETWORK INFLUENCED AND INFORMED WHERE (OR WHO) YOU ARE TODAY?

My network has completely influenced my career path. I studied Anatomy and Cell Biology in University, and never thought that I would end up immersed in the tech industry! It was through a few interesting jobs and meeting a number of great people that I ended up seeing tech as the industry I wanted to be in.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST, IN TERMS OF THE “NEXT BIG THING” OR EVOLUTION FOR TECHNOLOGY (OR ENTREPRENEURS) THIS YEAR?

First off, BrainStation’s Innovation Hub launch at 460 King St. West excites me! Aside from that, I’m excited by seeing the outcome of all the big technology disruptors this year and the impact that it’s going to have on Toronto. I’m very interested in watching the response in city policy and infrastructure to new innovations, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Toronto reacts to all the new products flying out of the tech community!

BEST ADVICE FOR A NEWBIE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF ATTENDING AN AFTERWORK NETWORKING EVENT?

I don’t think I’m reinventing the wheel in saying do your research beforehand! Find out who you want to speak with and a background on what they do so that you’re prepared to launch into an interesting conversation with them. Reach is an awesome tool for this!

FAVOURITE APP? WHY?

Slack is by far my favourite app for team collaboration. Other apps that I can’t live without are VSCO for photography, Strava for cycling,HypeMachine for tunes and Ritual for forgetting my wallet in King West.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT REACH?

It is an excellent facilitator for networking – before, during, and after an event. It’s a great way to break down the barriers to meeting new people, and facilitate collaboration and networking out of any social situation!

BEST WAY FOR THE REACH COMMUNITY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

You can reach me on Twitter or Instagram @nicoleclairem.

THANKS NICOLE

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