IA Chapter Chair Series – Meet Dundee Staunton

Each Innovators Alliance chapter hosts monthly peer-to-peer member meetings which are facilitated by a professional Chapter Chair.  The Chapter Chairs’ primary purpose is to ensure a supportive environment that ensures a strong collaborative environment, cultivating shared responsibility, and encouraging accountability and respect.

Like all IA Chapter Chairs, Dundee Staunton, who facilitates two chapters, is passionate about innovation, growth, and development – and understands all too well, the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.

We sat down with Dundee to learn more about his history with Innovators Alliance, and his own entrepreneurial journey.

Read on to learn more about Dundee.

IA: We know that Innovation and Entrepreneurship is something that sets Innovators Alliance apart from other Peer-to-Peer Networking Communities. Can you share more about your own entrepreneurial journey?

DS: I started my career in a manufacturing business in which my family had a significant interest. We sold it in the early 1990’s. I did some interim management consulting while looking for my next opportunity. Over the next twenty-seven years, my path took me through ownership and senior management positions in three companies. I retired from the last of these in 2019 but remain a shareholder and director.

IA: Very cool! Sounds like you’ve had several interesting experiences.  Can you share more about your history with Innovators Alliance, and the community members?

DS: I have proudly been part of the IA community since the early 2000’s as a member, and later as Board Chair. Within each chapter there is an interesting mix of people and businesses, and a special camaraderie and sense of teamwork in helping each member address challenges and achieve goals. I am very pleased to remain involved with IA as Chair of two different chapters: Toronto Mississauga and Toronto West.

IA: You’re in the unique position of being responsible to facilitate two different groups. What would you say is unique about your chapters?

DS: Within the two Toronto chapters that I facilitate, there is an interesting mix of businesses. Some have annual revenues in excess of $20 million and have mature processes (e.g. strategic planning), while other individuals in the group are leading companies that are not at the same stage of development. While all members are focused on growth, they are at different stages so, in our chapter group discussions, the members whose companies are further along the growth path can provide experience and wisdom to the members from less mature companies. On the other hand, members who are leading less established mature companies contribute different ideas and insights to the group that are equally relevant and helpful. This is the value of the peer-to-peer model!

IA: Very good point and just one way Innovators Alliance focuses on supporting members creatively. Can you share your perspective on why innovation is so important for long-term success for entrepreneurs?

One of our guest speakers at a recent IA Chapter meeting shared the sentiment that “Innovation is a mindset”. It struck me as a very succinct way of defining the challenge for entrepreneurs. Why? Well, if the basis for their business’ existence is not innovative in some way, it will not survive and prosper. Secondly, what starts well does not always finish that way, so there is a constant demand to stay fresh in the market. The speaker reminded our members that employers can leverage their impact by encouraging their employees to be innovative. In this way, innovation can become embedded in the organization and lead to broader and more rapid successes. I think that is a real benefit of Innovators Alliance – we are constantly challenging our members to view their business through the lens of where are you innovating now?

IA: What would you say to someone who is considering joining your Innovators Alliance chapter?

All senior business leaders need a peer group where they can be comfortable, and where they will be challenged. There is a real risk of missing opportunities due to lack of awareness of the environment outside one’s sector, and of falling victim to “what one does not know.” Innovators Alliance offers diverse membership and the benefits of a collegial and stimulating environment within each chapter. Our non-profit structure is another unique advantage, because the lion’s share of the organization’s revenues is directed to program development and chapter resources.

Read on to learn if IA membership is right for you.