Dr. Terry Rock, the President and CEO of non-profit, member based tech incubator Platform Calgary, joins the show to share why he is so passionate about improving Calgary. After leaving a venture capital firm early on in his career, Terry developed his own business with the intention to build a front door for innovators which partners and collaborates with local businesses to help develop the careers of innovative entrepreneurs along every step of their journey. Now a fixture in the Calgary tech community, Terry shares how his upbringing shaped him, the mindset required for entrepreneurial success, the piece of advice that he always gives to young businesspeople, and more.

“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey”

“I remember someone telling me, ‘no one is in charge.’ Go and do the things that you really want to do... Take control of it. You can” – Terry Rock

Episode Highlights:

0:00 – Gilbert introduces Terry.

0:35 – The artwork that inspires Terry's intention.

1:09 – The Canadian prairie roots that shaped him.

8:42 – How Terry's experience as a champion curler, and meeting a girl from Brazil, led to his career as a community leader.

15:56 – The life advice that constantly gives Terry hope for the future.

17:52 – How family and exploring his passions landed Terry in Calgary.

21:45 – Terry's journey from working at a venture capital firm to CEO of Platform Calgary.

25:55 – Why it was so important for Platform Calgary to build its physical facility as a “clubhouse for innovators”.

33:59 – A message from our sponsors.

35:57 – The key skills that Terry believes make a great entrepreneur.

40:27 – The two books that impacted Terry's mindset the most.

45:11 – Terry's purpose.

47:38 – Where Calgary is today in terms of technology and innovation, and the five areas in which it can improve.

56:43 – Why Terry's bike is so important to him.

61:33 – How you can support Terry and his work.

Connect with Terry and support his work:

Platform Calgary: platformcalgary.com

IG: @platformcalgary

Calgary International Film Festival: ciffcalgary.ca

Twitter: @Rockster

Sponsors of this episode:

Bloom Benefits: www.bloombenefits.ca

Zelos: www.zelosglobal.com

Cheap Therapy: email hello@betweentwodots.com with the subject “Cheap Therapy”

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies