Modern Entrepreneur Profile - Shiyen Shu
/In conversation with Mississauga’s Shiyen Shu, owner of Dream Dare Lead
1. What inspired you to start Dream Dare Lead?
The simplest way to describe the inspiration was a burning desire to make a positive impact. Having spent my entire career in healthcare, starting as a frontline clinician and progressing to leadership roles, I came face to face with many of the challenges leaders face in our healthcare system. Being a patient opened my eyes to the other side of our complex healthcare system.
Putting both these causes together, I decided to make it a mission to improve our healthcare system by helping create better leaders. That gave rise to Dream Dare Lead Inc., as it always starts with a dream, a dare to challenge the status quo, and the courage to keep leading.
2. What exactly does Dream Dare Lead do/provide?
We provide Leadership and Executive Coaching services for ambitious leaders and organizations ready to break through to the next level.
We also conduct engaging leadership development workshops and deliver impactful keynotes, often described as "powerful" by the audience.
3. What's been the most impactful lesson you've learned being an entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur is the fastest way to grow personally and professionally, as long as you take every challenge with the right mindset, all while being able to positively contribute to society in numerous ways.
4. How do you unwind?
I'm lucky that my work doesn't feel like work! With that said, yoga and meditation are a big part of my life. Music, humour and quality time with the family and kids fuel me. Community service through my volunteer work currently on the Erin Mill's Women's Council, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and on a non-profit board are big contributors to helping me pay it forward and unwind.
5. What succinct advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don't wait to have it altogether before you begin!
"As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears." - Rumi
6. What are your goals for 2023?
Build and nurture a community of compassionate and ambitious healthcare leaders.
More global speaking engagements so we can truly transform leadership across the globe.
Specially curated masterminds to permanently energize leaders and allow them to face their challenges with vigour.
Being a newer organization, we aspire to be a well-known trusted leadership development brand in healthcare.
People have been asking for a book, so it is about time to start writing one!
