Final fall, Catriona Good left Halo & Co., the PR and occasions agency she’d co-owned for seven years, to launch That Good, a inventive company that focuses on immersive model storytelling—particularly, social media, expertise administration and blowout occasions that merge social enterprise with a severely good time. Her shopper roster consists of corporations like BMW Canada and Lululemon, and he or she’s redefining what it means for an company to present again: That Good hosts financial-literacy and PR workshops for college kids and different girls entrepreneurs by The Remix Venture, the place Good additionally sits on the board of administrators.
Title: CEO, That Good
Diploma: B.A. in gender research and political science, College of Toronto
Age: 43
From: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Presently lives in: Toronto
Once I was a child, I assumed I’d develop as much as be: A lawyer. I actually appreciated debating at school, so it appeared like a pure development. However then I went to my first 12 months of college and thought, “Eight more years of this? No, thank you.” I used to be wanting to get out into the world.
My favorite childhood reminiscence is: On Saturdays, my dad and mom would drive downtown from the suburbs and take me to a bookstore referred to as Mabel’s Fables, and I used to be allowed to pick a guide. It was often from The Child-Sitters Membership collection—I suppose I used to be all the time drawn to the thought of entrepreneurship!
The largest takeaway from my schooling is: Important considering. Particularly, understanding that there’s by no means only one aspect to any story.
My first job ever was: Barista on the Nook Espresso Home in Newmarket, Ont. I make a imply cappuccino.
A big problem I needed to overcome was: Getting out of my shell. I’m shy and an introvert, so networking and promoting myself might be difficult. However as a marketer, I’ve to pressure myself to get in entrance of individuals. Having a staff of 5 sturdy girls behind me at That Good has made me extra assured.
One thing that basically wants to alter in my trade is: Illustration within the C-suite. PR is a really white trade. I believe if there are extra folks of color in positions of influence, it would spotlight to others that there’s alternative within the subject no matter what you seem like. You possibly can’t be what you may’t see.
The second I knew I’d made it was: Once I noticed my staff at That Good shut offers on their very own. No matter whether or not they stick with me or transfer on to different alternatives down the road, it’s thrilling to see that sharing what I’ve discovered has allowed them to develop into who they should be.
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One factor I used to be pressured to be taught the laborious method was: It doesn’t ever get simpler; it simply will get totally different. There are all the time new challenges. For instance, this 12 months we created a financial-literacy convention, referred to as Make Cash Make Sense, and went out to each main monetary establishment for sponsorship. We received “no” throughout the board. I ended up self-funding it, and it was a significant success, promoting out in two days. When issues get tough, I remind myself that there’s all the time a method, even when you need to do it by yourself.
The factor that retains me motivated is: My 10-year-old daughter, Harlowe. I would like her to make her personal selections and forge her personal path and never be held down by ridiculous issues like beauty standards or gender norms. I’ve seen how rapidly younger women can go from being so assured to completely crushed by one thing a boy says.
Once I want inspiration: I am going for a stroll or a drive and put my cellphone away. I discover it increasingly tough to not be chronically on-line, however as quickly as I disconnect, my thoughts clears, the noise stops and the concepts come.
“You just have to get out there and fail faster, because that’s how you learn. If it goes right all the time, then you’re doing something wrong.”
The largest false impression about being an entrepreneur is: You can set your individual hours. The truth is, I work from after I get up till I go to sleep. And the toughest half is managing folks. There’s this false impression that you just’ll have everybody doing all your be just right for you and also you’ll be in Bora Bora.
The recommendation I all the time give others now’s: Perfectionism is a lure. I’ve met individuals who have been making an attempt to launch one thing for 15 years as a result of they haven’t gotten it excellent. Ladies particularly are raised to be good, however you simply should get on the market and fail quicker, as a result of that’s the way you be taught. If it goes proper on a regular basis, then you definately’re doing one thing flawed.
Earlier than I retire, I actually need to: Encourage extra girls of color to push boundaries and create extra space for others to come back up after us. I need to see extra individuals who seem like me in larger positions.
