portrait de Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì

Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì (he/him)

Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Shopify

Created On: May 25, 2023
Sector:
Business, Management, and Administration,  Information Technology
Education Pathway: College/Technical , University
Related School Subjects:
Art,  Business & Economics,  Computer Science,  Indigenous Studies
Readability:
8.9

Learn About My Career

I support Indigenous Entrepreneurship by sharing and educating on the benefits of using technology to support their business.

I was born/grew up in: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Unceded Anishinabe-Algonquin Territory.

I now live in: Kitigan Zibi & Vancouver, British Columbia

I completed my training/education at: I completed Interaction Design at Emily Carr University, Growth Marketing Certification at GrowClass, and Leading People and Building Sustainable Communities Certification at Harvard Business School.

I am Algonquin-Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec. It is part of the larger Algonquin Nation that has 11 communities.

I am a Senior lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify. I provide support to Indigenous entrepreneurs. I share and coach them on the benefits of using technology and engaging in modern business practices. I work with individuals, organizations, and institutions. My job is to help them find success in the growing Indigenous economy. In addition to this, I’m helping to build a more inclusive business system.

I use a variety of STEM skills in my work. This includes data analysis, project management, and technology. I track program success, coordinate events, and use Shopify's platform to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. I don't use any specialized equipment in my work. I use my problem-solving skills to identify challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. I use what I learn to develop plans to overcome these challenges.

I make decisions based on data and stakeholder input. A background in STEM helps me in my problem-solving and decision-making. It helps me follow a logical and data-driven process. I work as part of a team. We join forces to develop and implement plans that support our shared goals.

I got to where I am today through a combination of work and my experience as an entrepreneur. It helps that I also have a passion for supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. My journey began when I started my own business. This gave me firsthand experience of the challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. I also gained experience in using technology to find solutions to problems. I have worked with many inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous colleagues, and business leaders. All of them have helped to shape my career path.

I am motivated because I get to create economic opportunities for people. I am also helping build stronger communities. I also get to help address historical injustices faced by Indigenous people. I love to see the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs! The positive impact they have on their communities is very rewarding. This motivates me to continue working towards a more equitable and just society.

This work is important. It helps build a more equitable and just society. It also helps create a more diverse and innovative economy. My career is relevant and fulfilling. I am helping to address historical injustices. I am also helping to create economic opportunities. In this way, my career has a direct impact on the lives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing hockey, listening to music, and exploring art and design. I also love spending time on the land, whether it's hiking, camping, or fishing.

Failure is a gift rich with learnings. Trust the process and keep learning. Work on developing an appetite for learning new information. That will be with you forever.

What I do at work

I am a Senior lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify. I provide support to Indigenous entrepreneurs. I share and coach them on the benefits of using technology and engaging in modern business practices. I work with individuals, organizations, and institutions. My job is to help them find success in the growing Indigenous economy. In addition to this, I’m helping to build a more inclusive business system.

I use a variety of STEM skills in my work. This includes data analysis, project management, and technology. I track program success, coordinate events, and use Shopify's platform to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. I don't use any specialized equipment in my work. I use my problem-solving skills to identify challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. I use what I learn to develop plans to overcome these challenges.

I make decisions based on data and stakeholder input. A background in STEM helps me in my problem-solving and decision-making. It helps me follow a logical and data-driven process. I work as part of a team. We join forces to develop and implement plans that support our shared goals.

My career path is

I got to where I am today through a combination of work and my experience as an entrepreneur. It helps that I also have a passion for supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. My journey began when I started my own business. This gave me firsthand experience of the challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. I also gained experience in using technology to find solutions to problems. I have worked with many inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous colleagues, and business leaders. All of them have helped to shape my career path.

I am motivated by

I am motivated because I get to create economic opportunities for people. I am also helping build stronger communities. I also get to help address historical injustices faced by Indigenous people. I love to see the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs! The positive impact they have on their communities is very rewarding. This motivates me to continue working towards a more equitable and just society.

How I affect peoples’ lives

This work is important. It helps build a more equitable and just society. It also helps create a more diverse and innovative economy. My career is relevant and fulfilling. I am helping to address historical injustices. I am also helping to create economic opportunities. In this way, my career has a direct impact on the lives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities.

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I enjoy playing hockey, listening to music, and exploring art and design. I also love spending time on the land, whether it's hiking, camping, or fishing.

My advice to others

Failure is a gift rich with learnings. Trust the process and keep learning. Work on developing an appetite for learning new information. That will be with you forever.

I am Indigenous

I am Algonquin-Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec. It is part of the larger Algonquin Nation that has 11 communities.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Art
  • Geography
  • History
  • Literature and Language Arts
  • Math
  • Foods & Nutrition
  • Home Economics
  • Technology
  • Music
  • Indigenous Studies/Language

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Brought people together
  • Liked helping people
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked reading
  • Played video games
  • Was really creative
  • Liked to take things apart to see how they worked
  • Liked to design or build things
  • Learned best “by doing”
  • Engaged in activities such as fishing and berry picking

Related Topics

Business Careers Entrepreneurship Indigenous Information Technology Technology

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