Episode 2: Jason Goldlist on Wealthsimple, Venue and an unusual path to tech entrepreneurship

Previous Episode: Pilot: Get to know the alumni hosts of UNBeknownst

Next Episode: Episode 3: Pam Palmater on activism, decolonization and how to make an impact on Indigenous Reconciliation

Jason Goldlist (BPHIL’06), graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership from Renaissance College and is currently CEO and co-founder of Venue, an online platform for virtual special events that inspire and engage. He’s also co-founder of TechTO and has an impressive resume, including as Head of Marketing and General Manager of Wealthsimple.

In this episode:

Lessons learned from consulting in Africa and then jumping to work for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver Jason’s philosophy around choosing career moves to intentionally build the right skills and follow the right people What’s needed more than flashy websites and ads to be successful as a company The Superbowl ad that helped Wealthsimple burst onto the scene The story behind TechTO and what’s needed to grow tech startups in Canada The origins of Jason’s new company, Venue Jason’s advice for anyone wanting to build an idea into a venture

Links and resources:

Venue: https://www.venue.live/

Wealthsimple: https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/

TechTO: https://www.techto.org/

Wealthsimple Super Bowl Ad - Mad World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd3MMysL2NE

Wealthsimple - Take care of yourself (Ping Pong - Super Bowl): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2yDAuDZijY

Jason’s LinkedIN: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/goldlist

Thanks to:

Our alumni hosts, the AAA Team: Arsham, Arash and Armin Ahmadi https://www.unb.ca/alumni/alumni-news/unb-alumni-podcast.html

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/beats-of-burden/1451387846

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance, Manulife, and MBNA Mastercard: https://www.unb.ca/alumni/benefitsandservices/index.html