EOY-Prairies_2014_lo_Page_1We are so excited to be cheering on our very own Danielle Bragge, Co-Founder of The Headhunters and TempsAhead, as she joins 33 fellow entrepreneurs at tomorrow nights’ EY Entrepreneur of the YearTM 2014 Prairies Award. Danielle has long been a very active business and community leader; previously being named one of the Top 100 Women in Business in Edmonton and nominated for the RBC Women of Influence award in 2013.

 

Danielle is one of four finalists in the Emerging Entrepreneur category and was recently featured in a special Entrepreneur of the Year edition of Business in Calgary and Business in Edmonton. Below is an excerpt of Danielle’s profile from Business in Calgary.

You can view the full edition here.

 

Good luck Danielle and to all the Entrepreneur of the Year finalists!

 

When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

My first business was at eight, selling bush grass to build straw huts to neighbourhood kids (I grew up in Africa). That was a tough sell and didn’t go so well! Being an entrepreneur is in my blood.

 

What would you say the top skills are to be an entrepreneur?

Be able to takes risks and be comfortable with the unknown.

 

How important have good employees been to your success?

My partners and I feel very fortunate to have the team we have today. Their commitment and definiteness of purpose is the core of our success. There is no “I” in team!

 

How can Canada support a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?

One-on-one with successful entrepreneurs will help new entrepreneurs avoid pitfalls.

Give new entrepreneurs access to advisers, finance, marketing, sales and banking.

Teach Canadians how to network more effectively. Educate entrepreneurs on the difference between working in the business instead of on the business. Teach them when and who to hire.

 

What motivates you?

My family and finding the fit between employer and employee. That’s when the magic happens and when companies and careers grow.

My advice to entrepreneurs is to surround yourself with talented people, hire to your weaknesses, allow others a voice and admit when you are wrong.