#12 - Entrepreneurship with Florian Villaumé

Florian Villaume is responsible for Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE). Florian completed his Mechanical Engineering education in his native France, following that up with further education in Quebec where he completed a Masters in Fluid Mechanics. He describes his curious early career path working in Africa with Canadian Engineers Without Borders and how that unique experience shaped his thinking with respect to Leadership/ Development and the direction of his working life. The importance of having the courage to trust one’s instincts, coupled with the tools developed from early education, along with being able to sense the “energy in the room” leads this podcast to some very interesting recommendations for young and old entrepreneurs to ponder. The three key messages that he believes drive entrepreneurial growth in NL will intrigue you. Enjoy.

Content:
- Welcome - Podcast focus: 1. Florian Background, 2. MUN MCE, 3. Career Path
- Florian sets the stage with a brief overview of his education both in his Native France and in Quebec, along with a description of a fascinating early career path, which starts with working with Canadian Engineers Without Borders in Africa.
- Working with farmers in Africa leading to the appreciation of the importance of Innovative thinking.
- Florian describes what impact going from a Masters in Fluid Mechanic one minute to a Volunteer in an African village and how that experience has changed his life.
- Key Leadership elements are discussed including head vs heart, drive, trusting instincts and energy in the room.
- Today's “Zoom World” discussed where its features leave the participants with meeting outcomes, the intangibles of not meeting in person are noted, including the feeling which comes with “watching a TV show in black and white.”
- Florian discusses the natural transition for him, from the entrepreneurial drive he developed through his work in Africa to working at MUN. He describes the three key messages that lead his thinking every day.
Florian provides an over of the MCE and the significant growth and support for entrepreneurial thinking at the university and across faculties.
The role of Global NL in support of MUN is discussed.
The need for support from ex-pat NL professionals discussed with energy and emphasis. Florian repeats his strong belief in the potential for Entrepreneurial growth in NL.
- Global NL discussed at length wrt current activity and further support as things develop.
- Career Paths and the Jungle Gym effect discussed.
- Florian’s “BillBoard”