Launching a startup can feel like standing at the edge of uncertainty.
Founders are tasked with making decisions about markets, customers, and growth strategies, often with incomplete information and limited resources. It’s no wonder many feel overwhelmed.
That’s why strategy is so important. To help entrepreneurs sharpen their decision-making skills, this past summer, the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) offered a three-day intensive course, Strategy for Startups, that blended research-backed frameworks with practical application.
We sat down with Christine Bradshaw, Co-Founder and Head of Operations at See You Next Tuesday Media (SYNT), to hear about her experience in the course and how it has helped her along her entrepreneurial journey.
Meet Christine and SYNT
Christine’s path to entrepreneurship has been rooted in creativity and culture. She leads operations at SYNT, “a 360° indie digital publisher and media company with a mission to uplift emerging voices in the creative scene. We focus a lot on local culture—Toronto and Montreal especially—and recently expanded our writer network into NYC. I teamed up with my co-founder Sierra in 2023 to help transform her university passion project into a full-fledged, revenue-generating business, and we’ve been growing ever since.”
With a venture in growth mode and new opportunities emerging, Christine was looking for tools to strengthen her decision-making which is why she chose to sign up for the course. “I knew the quality would be strong since it was Rotman-backed, and I missed the energy of being in in a classroom setting. I thought of it as both a learning opportunity and a bit of a throwback to my undergrad days.”
The Interactive Learning Advantage
Coming into the course, Christine expected an academic environment rooted in case studies and vigorous discussion. “Since I did my undergrad at Rotman, I expected something similar—case-based, very discussion-oriented, and practical rather than just theory-heavy lectures.”
And the format did not disappoint. “The highly interactive format kept me engaged the whole time. I can zone out during long lectures, but this structure kept me thinking and participating. It also let us apply the frameworks right away to real situations, which made it stick more.”
Three Key Takeaways
When asked about her biggest takeaways, Christine highlighted three themes:
- “Network: I met so many cool movers and shakers from the Toronto startup scene.
- Strategy tools: I walked away with frameworks I’m actively applying to our growth right now.
- Brand awareness: I had the chance to introduce SYNT Media to a room full of well-connected people.”
One framework in particular reshaped how she thought about market entry. “The idea that there isn’t just one ‘right’ way to break into a market as a startup was refreshing. The best approach depends on your customer base, how you’re serving them, and your resources. It made me realize that our strategy doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—it needs to fit us.”
That insight, she noted, was a lightbulb moment, one that gave her confidence to chart SYNT’s unique path forward.
The Decision Upgrade: Structuring Success with Framework
Christine wasted no time applying what she learned. “I’ve been using the frameworks to think through how we position SYNT against competitors, and how we can scale without losing our focus on local culture. It also gave me tools to evaluate opportunities—like partnerships or new markets—in a more structured way rather than just gut feeling.”
She added that the course built her confidence as a decision-maker. “It reminded me that no founder has it all figured out, but with the right frameworks and questions, you can make confident, informed decisions even in uncertain situations.”
Finding Community
Beyond the content, the community was a standout aspect of the experience. "Hearing how other founders approached their challenges gave me fresh perspectives on my own. It also built a sense of community—like we’re all figuring it out together—which made the experience more motivating and less isolating.”
This collaborative spirit reflects the broader ecosystem at the CfE, where courses are just one piece of a larger network of mentorship, co-working spaces, and resources for aspiring founders.
Is This Course For You?
Christine’s advice for future participants is simple: “Go for it. The network alone makes it worthwhile—you’ll meet founders and professionals who can open doors and share insights. On top of that, you’ll gain practical tools and case studies you can immediately apply to your own startup. It’s rare to find a course that combines both community and strategy this well.”
As for who would benefit most? “Anyone actively building or working within a startup environment. The course is hands-on and practical, so you’ll get the most out of it if you’re in a position to immediately apply the frameworks and ideas to real business challenges. But also, if you’re looking to break into working at a startup, this course would also be great since I’m sure there will be a few founders in there to connect with.”
Mindset Shift: Strategy is Non-Negotiable
Christine’s journey through Strategy for Startups shows why sharpening your strategic thinking early can make a world of difference. The course helped her expand her network, clarify her company’s growth path, and build confidence in decision-making, lessons she’s already putting into practice at SYNT Media.
For founders navigating uncertainty, the message is clear: strategy isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And with the right support system, it’s a skill you can build.
Interested in learning more? The next session of Strategy for Startups is yet to be announced. To be the first to know about future course dates, visit the Centre for Entrepreneurship website, and stay in the loop by subscribing to their newsletter and following them on Instagram and LinkedIn.