Imagine a career that weaves together the precision of science, the dynamism of entrepreneurship, and the cutting-edge creativity of film technology. This is the unexpected, yet illuminating path of Amir Alam, a mentor whose diverse experiences bring a unique perspective to the Centre for Entrepreneurship’s (CfE) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS). His journey offers aspiring entrepreneurs a powerful lesson: unexpected turns can lead to the most valuable insights.
Amir Alam, VMS Mentor. Photo provided.
Alam's journey started with a solid foundation in science: a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell & Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Toronto (U of T), complemented by research experience gained at SickKids and University Health Network (UHN). This scientific rigor became a springboard for his entrepreneurial leap into founding Shoe Laundry, an eco-friendly shoe care brand. This venture provided a deep dive into business management, encompassing product development, branding, funding acquisition, and marketing. Later, his creative drive propelled him into the film and entertainment tech world, where he contributed to virtual production at Sony Innovations and collaborated on projects like 'The Boys' and 'Star Trek: Discovery.' Currently, he leverages his branding skills to aid his sister's construction management company, DOMA Construction. Complementing these professional pursuits, Alam's creative spirit finds an outlet in years of DJing in Toronto and a profound appreciation for culture, which he explores through travel and interests like natural wine.
This unconventional path, while seemingly disparate, reveals a consistent thread: the application of a resourceful and solution-oriented approach and the power of creativity. As Alam explains, "For me, the constant has been applying a problem-solving mindset and leveraging creativity. And honestly, working across such different fields... has given me, I think, a pretty good sense of understanding and empathy." This empathy, rooted in the ability to genuinely understand different perspectives, is a skill he considers essential. "If I look back across everything... the one skill I've had to actively cultivate... is probably the ability to genuinely understand perspective," he reflects. This goes beyond simply listening; it involves actively putting oneself in another's shoes, developing compassion, and appreciating the broader cultural and historical context.
For Alam, mentorship is a way to share the lessons learned from his unique journey. His connection to U of T as an alum, where he returned to finish his degree after a break, fuels his desire to give back to the community that supported him. “Mentorship means a lot to me,” he explains, “it's about sharing what I've learned along the way, what worked, what didn't, and trying to be helpful by sharing honestly what I've seen from walking those different paths.” He emphasizes that mentorship is not about having all the answers but about offering guidance and different angles based on real-world experience. To young entrepreneurs seeking mentors, his advice is clear: "Value their time – be prepared, know what you want to discuss, and stay on schedule. Crucially, understand that mentorship empowers your efforts, it doesn't replace them."
"For me, choosing to become a mentor with VMS felt like a natural extension of my own connection to this community," he shared. "This is a community that has always been important to me, and I was eager to give back. The collaborative structure of VMS was also a significant draw." He reflected on a key personal insight gained through the experience: "Perhaps the most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself through mentoring is the continuous importance of both patience and empathy. You can possess a wealth of advice, but simply dispensing solutions isn't effective. I've discovered that taking the time to truly understand an entrepreneur's specific pressure points makes a massive difference." Regarding VMS's role in the broader ecosystem, he emphasized, "I see VMS as a crucial connection hub. It effectively brings together eager entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, creating a vital link for growth and development."
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Feeling inspired? Learn more about the Venture Mentoring Service. Recruitment of mentors and mentees for the next cycle of the program will begin in F/W 2025-26 – stay tuned for more details!