Name: Joey Thompson
Birthday: February 4, 1995
Education:
BMOS – Western University
Master of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Queen’s University
Hometown – West Vancouver, British Columbia
Tell me about yourself:
I love sports.
Hockey and golf have been the biggest part of my life. I played competitively throughout high school, and since then I’ve just been playing recreationally with friends. I follow the NHL very closely and love watching games.
I went to Western University to study business but didn’t have a plan beyond that.
In April 2017, I graduated with my degree. I had no clue what I wanted to do next.
I found the MMIE program at the time and did have an interest in entrepreneurship, so I looked into it some more. I quickly decided it was something I really wanted to do.
During the summer, I got a job working for the Vancouver Canucks. I decided to keep the job through the start of the MMIE program because I liked it so much. I was willing to take on the intense workload.
Why did you choose Influence Digest over other opportunities?
Potential and opportunity.
I decided that given how much time and effort I’ve invested into my program, I should go all out and work in a start-up environment.
There are a ton of start-ups out there that fail so I thought that if I was going to take a gamble, I may as well take an opportunity from someone that I know has a solid background. I knew that Saarim (founder) completed the same Master’s program that I’m doing, and felt confident in his ability.
From a media perspective, I’ve been a consumer since the beginning of this digital revolution, so I’ve always wanted to learn what it was like from the other side.
On top of all of this, I see Influence Digest as a company that has the ability to win over consumers and eventually become a leader in this market space. I’m looking forward to being a part of the journey.
You’re originally from Vancouver. What was the switch to Toronto like?
Easy.
I always had it in my mind that Vancouver is where I wanted to be and where I wanted to end up, but my perspective has changed over the last year or so.
I think that as a young professional, where you live should be primarily based on opportunity for your career, not just your favorite city.
As a young entrepreneur, I feel that Toronto will give me the best opportunity to get my career started. I also made many friends and connections at Western that are from Toronto, so I didn’t have much hesitation in moving. I’ve been here for less than a week and feel very comfortable.
What about Entrepreneurship Interests you?
There are no limits.
The success of the company is directly related to the work you put into it. If you know what you’re doing, there is such a high growth potential. If something doesn’t work, it’s up to you to make changes.
I used to tell myself that in 10-20 years, I would look into entrepreneurship and try to start a business. Then I realized, why not start now?
I think that if you know you want to do something, there is no point in waiting. Being a successful entrepreneur is extremely difficult, and takes time. I’m really happy to be immersing myself in it in my early 20’s.
Have any books stuck with you?
Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
What was the last song you listened to on Spotify?
Body – Loud Luxury
What was the last show you watched?
Silicon Valley – one of my favourite shows. Great insight into the Silicon Valley environment, and just so funny.
What is your philosophy when it comes to sleep?
I need a lot of it.
For me, working at 100% energy is far more effective than working tired, even if it means working for less time.
How do you hold yourself accountable?
I really try to stay organized.
I keep checklists on my phone that I update every day.
There is something really satisfying about checking things off. If I fail to get things done, my checklist builds and I get really stressed out.
What advice can you give to your grade 12 graduating self?
Just live in the moment.
“Accept everything that is happening and try not to worry too much about the future.” – Joey Thompson
