Show Notes
Tuesday and Tim are joined by friend, past Activating Change cohort participant and Executive Director of the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, Alexandra (Alex) McCann, where they talk about her background, dedication to create innovation-driven entrepreneurial community in Nova Scotia, sustainable development, the difference between tied and untied aid, and what it’s like to be a woman of color leading innovation in the province.
About Alexandra (Alex) McCann:
Alexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, a not-for-profit organization leveraging collective impact to foster a prosperous Nova Scotia through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship (IDE). ONSIDE aims to convene, connect and catalyze the IDE ecosystem in Nova Scotia.
Previous to this role, Alexandra was the Chief Operating Officer for Dockside Investco, a Nova Scotia-based portfolio management company; as well as the CEO for Baie Run Pet Products, a natural products start-up, focused on pet wellness including, omega3s and supplements sold in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Alexandra has been an Investment Attraction lead for Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) covering clean tech, ocean tech, life sciences, as well as bioresources, agri-foods and seafoods. She has also held positions with the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) in Asset Management, as well as the Office of Renewable Energy & Environmental Exports, focused on global infrastructure, structured and project finance.
Alexandra McCann holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS) and a double BA from the University of Virginia in Asian Studies and Anthropology. Alex is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Kings College. Alex is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Inspirit Foundation—which promotes an inclusive and pluralistic Canada—and is chair of the Finance Impact Investment Committee. Alex is obsessed with saving handwriting, enjoys travel, politics, and sampling all of Nova Scotia’s culinary delights!
Resources:
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ONSIDE - the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship
The Outside’s Activating Change Leadership Cohort
Wisdom that Alex is carrying around in her back pocket, from her son: “Mom, you have lots of smarts and good ideas in your head.”