Entrepreneurship advice for high school students (what I wish I knew)
I gave a talk about my experience as a founder with my son's high school Entrepreneurship class.
This was a significant experience for me on some big levels:
I reflected on who I was and what I knew when I was 17-18. It was surprising to remember how small my worldview was back then. I was living in a small town in Alberta, and all I knew was what was around me.
I thought deeply about which events had the biggest impact on my entrepreneurial journey. Putting on a rave in high school, starting a snowboard shop, and getting my first job in tech were significant events.
I was reminded about how important it is for young people to have accessible role models in their lives. When I was 17, I didn't know what was possible. What changed my life was meeting key people who mentored me, expanded my worldview, and helped me see opportunities I didn't know existed.
How to increase your luck surface area
As I told my story, I pointed out numerous times where "I got lucky." Luck plays a big part in any success story, but I also emphasized that you can increase your luck surface area. I made this handout about that.
I found business planning documents I made when I was 17 (in 1998)
As a part of my research, I found a directory of files I'd made while planning a rave in my hometown.
