Policy Change, Platform-Building, and Playful Disruption

Policy Change, Platform-Building, and Playful Disruption

Author: Venture for Canada May 20, 2025 Duration: 57:47

In this conversation, Scott Stirrett sits down with Vass Bednar, Executive Director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy Program, to unpack what it really means to be a policy entrepreneur. Bednar, who's on a mission to redefine the term from its academic stereotypes, reveals how policy work can be as innovative and impactful as any tech startup. She takes us through her unconventional career path—what she calls her "professional scavenger hunt"—where she's gathered insights from think tanks, political offices, and even live radio shows.

Along the way, Bednar shares hard-won lessons for aspiring changemakers: why showing up to events matters more than you think, how to build a "kitchen cabinet" of trusted friends and advisors, and the surprising power of intellectual curiosity in driving policy change.


Hosted by Venture for Canada, A New Wave of Entrepreneurship moves beyond theory to explore the real, human stories behind building something new. Each conversation focuses on the practical journey, featuring changemakers and young Canadian entrepreneurs who share how they cultivated their specific entrepreneurial mindset and skillset-the actual tools they used to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation. This podcast isn't about abstract success; it's about the tangible lessons learned from setbacks, the evolving strategies for growth, and the personal resilience required to lead. You'll hear firsthand accounts that demystify the process, offering a clearer picture of what it truly takes to contribute to a more prosperous future for Canada. By listening, you gain access to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, all aimed at helping you recognize and develop your own potential. Tune in for honest discussions that connect the dots between ambition, actionable skill-building, and meaningful impact, all part of a broader movement shaping the country's economic and social landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A New Wave of Entrepreneurship
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