John Wilson is retiring from Innovate Calgary after 10 years with the organization—seven as President & CEO. John provided leadership across technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation initiatives, creating immense growth through helping to establish and expand UCeed, the innovation hubs, and various new venture programs.
Our team had the opportunity to sit down with him and ask some important questions, where he shared his perspective on past lessons and what lies ahead.
When you first stepped into this role, what vision did you have, and how did that evolve over time?
A one-stop shop for innovation. Although I had an idea of what this should look like, I had little sense of how we were going to get there. The lack of a path did not bother me; I understood this journey was going to be a series of opportunities, and that our task was to seize those chances wherever possible.
The biggest change over time has been the national interest. Ten years ago, our efforts were primarily focused on supporting the university and the city. Today, we have a better understanding that this is a national journey.
Looking back on your time at Innovate Calgary, what accomplishments stand out to you?
Innovate Calgary as a trusted partner.
We work with a wide range of individuals and organizations across the country. Everything we have achieved has been through collaboration with others, and often because of your support.
More specifically, the ‘Creators Choice’ Model, which is a fixed-deal approach for translating Intellectual Property from UCalgary researchers into startups. Through this model, we have helped create over 100 new companies, and this is why UCalgary has been ranked the #1 startup creator in Canada over the past six years.
In addition to Creators Choice, UCeed and the Life Sciences Innovation Hub have been critical to our success. Both programs have helped integrate UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem with our external partners, in Calgary and beyond.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned as CEO at Innovate Calgary?
Authenticity.
A job is much easier when it’s not a job. I have found that if you want to help people be happy and successful, then you must encourage them to be themselves.
If you could share a piece of advice for innovators and entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Empathy.
Innovation is about solving other people’s problems. Sometimes these are well-articulated, usually they are not. The better you understand how others think, and the more you can help define the real need, the better innovator you will be.
As you enter retirement, what are you looking forward to most?
Advocacy and travel.
Likely, I’ll remain involved with a small number of organizations in the innovation space. Over the last few years, this has been a larger part of my role at Innovate Calgary, so this feels like a natural transition, and part of why I am stepping down as CEO at this time. In my spare time, I’m looking to take some longer trips. I’m a compulsive planner, so I have plenty of trips ready to go!
What excites you most about the future of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem?
The people.
Ten years ago, the innovation talent pool was much smaller in Calgary. Today, we have enough experienced people to make a difference. I’m looking forward to following the careers of my colleagues and partners, and I’m very optimistic for the future.
Stay connected with John on LinkedIn here.