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“Skeptics of renewables have frequently claimed that wind and solar will never fully replace fossil fuels because their output is too variable – conventional power stations will still be needed for days when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. That argument is now crumbling. Game-changing technologies are becoming available that make it possible to efficiently and affordably store renewable energy, smoothing out the peaks and troughs of supply.”

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A Startup Confession: How I Went From Intern to Manager

Since I was 14-years-old, I’ve always had a job (and sometimes multiple at once). While this seems impossible to some, I was taught otherwise. My parents immigrated to Canada after escaping the genocide in Cambodia and facing death several times. When they first arrived, my mother was five-months pregnant with my oldest sister and my brother was only two-years-old. This meant that despite the cultural differences and language barrier, they had to immediately adapt and find jobs to support the family.

By the time my parents had me, they were in a much better place financially when compared to my three older siblings. Though, for a long time, they were cleaning at several hospitals and then coming home to sew clothes until midnight (to make extra money). Often, I would help them arrange the clothes, fold them, pack them in boxes, and then carry the boxes upstairs. Later, when my family opened a small and casual restaurant, I’d help out after school and on the weekends (almost 7 days a week).

While I can’t say I had a luxurious upbringing, I’d say I definitely had a very fortunate one (and wouldn’t want it any other way). It’s because of my family’s relentless work ethic that I’m able to share some proud moments when looking back on my career. Some of them were pretty exciting such as being mentored by industry veterans, working with celebrities and moving to another country. Though, it’s not the opportunities I’ve secured that I’m most proud about - it’s the resiliency I’ve gained.

At the first startup I worked at, there were incredibly high expectations of me (even as an intern). Like most startups, their main priority was the technology and PR/marketing came second. My initial tasks included pitching to reporters in hopes of securing major press and working with the developers to improve the product’s UI/UX. All of this was new to me but I quickly learned and grew within the company.

I went from being an intern, to a consultant and then a manager - all while working other jobs and volunteering. These transitions took place while I was still pretty young and just beginning my career. Despite feeling well-prepared considering my experience and education, there were definitely moments where I doubted myself. I faced a lot of challenges, criticism and even failures. I never dreamed of quitting though.

Instead, I always found a plan B, learned to improve and move on. And I have my family to thank for that. If I didn’t witness my family’s early struggles or receive their ongoing support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They taught me to work hard, have confidence, and most importantly: to be resilient. Resiliency has been key to winning some small and big victories in my career and those are the moments I’m most proud to share.

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Change Is Brewing in Canada's Capital

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is home to many of the nation’s movers and shakers. But a lot of its exciting and big changes aren’t just coming from government. It’s introducing new and improved public spaces, more international and local businesses, and most importantly: mission-driven entrepreneurs. This is no surprise considering the city’s unyielding support for innovation that more people are taking risks and giving back at the same time. Burundi-born and Ottawa resident, Deborah Ntawigirira, is one of these exemplary entrepreneurs. She founded Izere, a company that builds sustainable trade networks with Burundian coffee growers to make its specialty coffee more accessible to Canadian roasters. Through its meticulous production practices, Izere seeks to create more employment opportunities for Burundian women allowing them to support their families and fund their education. Some of Izere’s milestones include receiving international praise from Cup of Excellence, an annual competition held to identify the highest quality coffees produced, and employing over 100 women who hope to one day start their own business. Deborah credits Izere’s progress towards discovering a way to establish and maintain a link between her two beloved countries: Burundi and Canada. We sat with Deborah to learn more about Izere’s roadmap to success and its future plans to expand.

Tell us more about Izere and the meaning behind its name.

I was born and raised in Burundi and moved to Canada when I was 17-years-old. It was shocking to learn that despite Canada ranking as number one in coffee consumption out of 80 countries, many Canadians have never tried or even heard about Burundi’s coffee. I felt it was important to use this as an opportunity to foster a cultural exchange between the two countries, and from there, I created Izere.

Izere means “have faith” in Kirundi (Burundi’s native language) and has grown to focus on so much more than just coffee. The company takes great pride in delivering specialty coffee produced with the utmost care while improving the lives of Burundian women affected by the war. Every decision the company makes is determined by whether or not it contributes to their personal and professional success.

Izere clearly prioritizes social impact over profit. What do you consider a rewarding milestone?

While I’m always thrilled to see more people try our coffee (and enjoy it), I feel like I’ve achieved a rewarding milestone when people ask about our coffee’s background and about Burundi’s culture and traditions. When I share these conversations with the Burundian women we employ, their eyes light up and beam with pride knowing that they were part of that teaching moment. They’ll often ask me about Canada’s own culture and traditions and share their own plans to become an entrepreneur. It’s the little things that mean the most.

What’s your biggest goal for Izere and where do you see the company in the next few years?

My biggest goal for Izere is to build more sustainable trade networks with not just Burundian coffee growers but designers and artists as well. This would allow the company to create more employment opportunities for women in Burundi and Canada (and boost both economies). In the next few years, I hope to see the company having more of a presence in local shops, events and programs through collaborating with like-minded businesses, companies and organization. I also hope to develop a career-focused mentorship program and financially invest in other entrepreneurs.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to remember that passion is key and needs to be preserved. It’s easy to fall into the typical habits such as becoming perfectionists, working long hours, and the worst one of all: not getting enough sleep. It’s not healthy and it’s not sustainable on a personal and professional level. You will eventually crash and your company will suffer. Do your best to take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to take a vacation. Otherwise, how can you expect to make tough decisions and help other people?

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“But for any team, the greatest fear shouldn't be whether a decision turns out to be wrong. You can always course-correct if things don’t work out. The real fear is in the state of paralysis that results when you can't make a decision at all.”

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"[In a candidate,] social intelligence is as important as a professional CV. How do you integrate yourself into a group without losing yourself?" —Martin Gran, managing director, Snøhetta

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The other day one of my best friends asked me “Do you even want children?” I responded “Yes, but after I’ve advanced in my career. So probably when I’m 32 or 33.” It’s crazy to think that it’s now perfectly normal for her (or anyone else) to ask me such a question. I’ve been single for almost two years and this often surprises many people because I’m actually open to dating. I’ve been on some amazing dates with people who are impressive when it comes to their credentials but I can’t say the same for their character. My ideal date is someone who is far more interested in hearing about my experiences than my achievements. Bonus points if they love restaurant hopping too!

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Firstly, I would like to work more. I have always been a quality over quantity guy, when it came to my work. I would also like to see the scale of the projects I’m involved with, improve tenfold. My work ethic must also elevate to accommodate such progression.

Mpho Koaho

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A reminder to my future self (and other young women):

Remember that negotiating is something that most women still struggle with and changing that is a big part of your plan. Although you’re still early into your career, there’s no doubt that you’ve already successfully navigated around complex career decisions as a result of your determination and skills. You’re no stranger to being told that you’re not qualified and the feeling of exclusion but have always proved others wrong and found your way in (and eventually on top). Do not forget this. Not just for your own sake, but for others. Set an example. Let it be known that women will always ask for more. Share your experiences. Empower women to seize the opportunities they’ve always deserved.

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Wow, so much has happened within the past week! I don’t want to get too personal now but I will share I truly think everything happens for a reason and I’m starting to see why. It’s an incredible feeling to be comfortable with where you currently are in life and the uncertainty of what comes next. I feel right now I have to trust that I’ve done everything I can for a certain situation to move forward and if it doesn’t work out, it’s not meant to be (for now, at least). I refuse to give up so easily and will eventually find my way.

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If trying to find a way when you don't even know you can get there isn't a small miracle, then I don't know what is

Rachel Joyce

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Yesterday, for the first time ever, I wrote a very personal Facebook post and have been receiving an overwhelming amount of support. Truthfully, I cried when I wrote it because it brought back so many painful memories but I now feel an immense weight is off my shoulders. I’ve always had a desire to share some of my personal experiences but I never did until now because I was often in denial. In this case, I was in denial about the fact that I was working in a severely toxic environment fueled by a team of malicious people. I won’t go into detail because it’s not necessary but I will share that being yelled at, belittled and threatened was once normal to me. I really believed that if I continued to work hard, they would eventually leave me alone. I later realized it was only when I’d admit to defeat they would back off. Despite this, I carried on with my work and accepted every new challenge -  no matter how impossible it seemed. Eventually, I left on my own accord and can honestly say I’m far from bitter. Instead, I feel sorry for those that choose to be cruel than kind. I can’t imagine what they went through to make such a choice and hope they can learn to move on.

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There's no free lunch. The day I learned that is the day I grew up. The day I learned everything has a price. I don't mean necessarily money, but you have to pay for things — in time, in experience, in pain, in love — you have to pay in different ways, but can't have anything for free. And you know what? If it doesn't cost anything? It's not worth anything.

Iris Apfel

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Dear 2016,

You’ve admittedly been one of the toughest years of my life – and I’m far from bitter. In fact, I’m very grateful. Yes, there were days where I’d wake up and pray today would be a good day and later find myself crying to sleep. But if I didn’t experience what drove me to such a place, I wouldn't have realized how lucky I really am. It wasn’t until I was at my weakest that I realized there's so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful to be able to say that I accomplished one of my biggest dreams, come from a family that supports every single thing I do, and met some genuinely kind-hearted people who believed in me. I’m mindful of this every day and try however I can to make sure others can move past from being mistreated or bullied like I once was.

So 2016, thank you. I will look to 2017 with optimism and hope and will commit to helping others however I can.