HUB Ottawa is a co-working community, learning academy and incubator with a mission to activate new social enterprises and drive social innovation through collaboration. In this series, I introduce you to interesting members of the diverse HUB Ottawa community (Hubbers) and take a look at the collaborative actions they are taking to make Ottawa and the world a better place.
Meet Product Designer, HUB member, and cross-polinator, Michael Grigoriev, one half of the gumptious duo who founded the Ottawa chapter of the international speaker series: Creative Mornings. The caffeine-fueled affair recently celebrated its first anniversary of bringing Ottawa’s creative community together on a monthly basis. The event offers a fun and dynamic format featuring a 20-minute talk from an inspiring creative thinker, followed by a group discussion along with an opportunity for guests to connect on a personal level over breakfast. “Creative Mornings is a platform for sharing stories and achievements while igniting interdisciplinary collaboration,” says Michael, “the event is important for sustaining Ottawa’s creative community.”
Since launching Creative Mornings Ottawa, the duo has sought to scratch below the surface bringing a host of talented and intelligent trailblazers to the podium including: Andres Reeves (Architect, LineBox Studio), Harley Finklestein (CPO, Shopify), Ian Capstick (MediaStyle), and Matthew Carmichael (Chef, El Camino). “Up until a year ago, there hadn’t been a focal point for getting this creative community together,” says Michael, “Now, after over a decade living in Ottawa, I find I’m meeting people I should have met years ago.”
Twelve editions in, Micheal reflects on the road to launching Creative Mornings Ottawa recounting a seemingly intimidating application process that began in early 2012. “At that point there were only 20 chapters globally, the real heavy hitters – expected cities such as New York, London, Paris, L.A., San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver had established chapters”, says Michael, “But, we made a strong case for Ottawa, championing its thriving tech and creative industries, its intelligent and progressive populace, all against a beautiful backdrop of abundant green space.” The application was submitted in February of 2012 and by June, Michael and his partner Sharif Virani, held the inaugural Creative Mornings at HUB Ottawa.
Taking heed from other Creative Mornings chapters within the global network, Michael and Sharif partnered with the HUB which often serves as a fun venue in the heart of the downtown core. Collaborating with the HUB also provides opportunity to cross-pollinate communities bringing creatives, professionals, social entrepreneurs, public servants, technologists and more under one roof for engaging and inspiring discussions. Michael attributes much of the success of the speaker series to the partnership with HUB Ottawa, which has provided the foundation for powerful connections, innovative ideas and projects with meaningful impact, much like Creative Mornings.
Rapid Fire!
Who’s the most inspirational person you’ve met at HUB Ottawa?
Jane Porter (Co-Founder of HUB Ottawa). While she possesses the focus of a lazer-beam, she also has an incredible ability to switch gears on a dime when necessary. While working on the founding of HUB Ottawa, Jane also worked full-time for Stratos, a sustainability consulting firm.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time as a HUB Member?
With all of the inspirational people you meet and conversations you have at the HUB, its easy to get excited about a lot of things. There are so many people working on incredible projects and of course, you want to jump on board. It’s important to limit yourself and realize that you can only accomplish so much with any degree of efficiency or impact.
What is the “must attend” event in Ottawa (aside from Creative Mornings)?
Arboretum Festival! The boutique multi-disciplinary arts festival launched last year and was fantastically executed for a first time event. An incredibly collaborative event!
