Welcome to The Link, a web series highlighting entrepreneurial paths with uOttawa alumni from around the world, brought to you by the University of Ottawa’s Alumni Association and the Entrepreneurship Hub.

Patrick Sasso

Episode 8 ­– Entrepreneurship Fuelled by Passion

In this episode, host Sharon Wong (BSc Comp. Sci), is joined by guest Patrick Sasso (BSc '92), Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Loop Seven. Together, they explore entrepreneurship and following your passions.

Listen to episode 8 on Apple Podcasts

Listen to episode 8 on Google Podcasts

Listen to episode 8 on Spotify

Listen to episode 8 on Simplecast

Zaffia Laplante

Episode 7 ­– Sustainability and Indigenous Teachings at the Heart of Entrepreneuship

(Interview in French only)

In this episode, host Nicolette Addesa (BA '14; MComm '16) and Zaffia Laplante (uOttawa Public Policy Advocacy Summer School and Internship), explore weaving sustainability and Indigenous Teachings in business.

Marie Chevrier

Episode 6 ­– From Ideas to Awards: Starting a Successful Business

(Interview in French only)

In this episode, host Nicolette Addesa (BA '14; MComm '16), is joined by Marie Chevrier Schwartz (BA '10), Founder and CEO of Sample. Together, they explore the necessary steps to turn your idea into a successful business.

Melissa Shabinsky

Episode 5 ­– Filling the Gaps Through Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Sharon Wong (BSc Comp. Sci), is joined by guest Melissa Shabinsky (BAdm '90), Co-Founder of RAW Pulp + Grindand Founder of two award winning makeup brands, Fusion Beauty and Revolution Organics. Together, they explore how to identify and act on a business idea in the profit and non-profit sectors.

Listen to episode 5 on Apple Podcasts

Listen to episode 5 on Google Podcasts

Listen to episode 5 on Spotify north

Listen to episode 5 on Simplecast

Paul Vallée

Episode 4 ­– The Evolution of Entrepreneurship in Tech

(Interview in French only)

In this episode, host Nicolette Addesa (BA '14; MComm '16), is joined by Paul Vallée (BCom '94), Founder and CEO of Tehama. Together, they explore the evolution of startups in tech and how the industry changed since 1997.

Elias Hage

Episode 3: Navigating Uncertainty and Risks in Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Sharon Wong (BSc Comp. Sci), is joined by Elias Hage (BCom '07), Founder and CEO of App8. Together, they explore the various uncertainties and risks entrepreneurs can face when starting a business and, most importantly, they share a few tips on how to navigate them.

Listen to episode 3 on Apple Podcasts

Listen to episode 3 on Google Podcasts

Listen to episode 3 on Spotify

Listen to episode 3 on Simplecast

Aminka Belvitt

Episode 2: Women in Leadership and Tech

In this episode, host Sharon Wong (BSc Comp. Sci), is joined by Aminka Belvitt (Former Social Sciences Student), Tech Entrepreneur, Goal Keeper for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Founder of Wofemtech Solutions. Together, they explore the current state of women in leadership and the technology industry. They also discuss how Aminka created the ForUsGirls Foundation to provide mentorship, leadership and skills to young women and girls.

Listen to episode 2 on Apple Podcasts

Listen to episode 2 on Google Podcasts

Listen to episode 2 on Spotify

Listen to episode 2 on Simplecast

RoseMarie Addesa

Episode 1: Leveraging an Entrepreneurial Mindset as a Teacher

(Interview in French only)

In this episode, host Nicolette Addesa (BA '14; MComm '16), is joined by RoseMarie Addesa (BEd-ang ‘19; BA ’17), elementary school teacher (French as a second language). Together, they discuss the importance of leveraging an entrepreneurial mindset in education while adapting teaching methods during the pandemic.