Andrea Oh is no stranger to entrepreneurship. A serial founder with multiple ventures and successful exits, she now serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer at Savvy Knowledge, a company leveraging technology to transform how people learn, grow, and perform.
Even with her deep experience, Andrea found unique value in the Expert Advisor (EA) Program, which connects entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals to help navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
“When the program was first offered to us, I didn’t realize how much we needed it,” Andrea explains. “I’ve been a founder several times before, but what the EA Program provided was perspective outside of our bubble — insights and expertise we didn’t even know we were missing. It gave us access to roles and professional services we wished we had but couldn’t yet.”
Andrea describes the experience as more than just technical support. “We worked with advisors on legal, financial, and operational challenges, but the most valuable piece was the coaching. Advisors can see clearly from the outside, without our distractions, and guide us to paths we may not see ourselves. That clarity is invaluable.”
The program also helped sharpen how Andrea and her team communicate. Because advisor sessions are structured and time-limited, founders must be concise, clear, and focused. “It forces you to strip away emotion, prepare your data, and share information in a way that investors or partners will understand. That discipline has been incredibly useful for us.”
Importantly, the relationships Andrea built with advisors didn’t end when the sessions did. “We’ve maintained those connections because they care, and because we’re curious about their journeys too. It’s been a win-win that exceeded my expectations.”
Andrea encourages other entrepreneurs to seek out support early. “I couldn’t imagine a successful path forward without help. Founders often think, ‘If I don’t do it by myself, I’ve failed.’ The opposite is true. With the EA Program, you can fast-track growth, avoid pitfalls, and learn from vetted experts who want you to succeed. You’d be silly not to.”
Learn more about the Expert Advisor Program.
Access to the Expert Advisor Program is included with your Innovate Calgary hub membership. Interested in becoming a member? Download the Membership Brochure.