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Manu Sharma

I help individuals & organizations assess, analyze & address their most complex challenges. Strategic Advisor | Solution Architect | Serial Entrepreneur | Leadership Coach | RealEstate Enthusiast | Charter Member @ TiE

Professional Background

Manu Sharma is a distinguished leader passionate about driving positive change through human-centered design. He possesses over 25 years of experience collaborating with individuals and organizations to transform strategies, enhance profitability, foster innovation, and amplify social impact through the introduction of new products and services. As the Director of Corporate Services and Social Innovation at the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF), Manu applies his extensive management and leadership experience to support people, processes, and projects effectively. His career reflects his dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship, mentoring youth, supporting community development initiatives, fostering innovation partnerships, and advocating for social causes.

Manu's commitment to building innovative technology solutions has led him to co-found OAK, a strategic consulting and software development firm established in 2007. Through OAK, he focuses on supporting local community projects that empower small businesses and non-profits. Additionally, he partners with Innovation by Design (IBD), an Ottawa-based design agency that equips clients with innovative design thinking tools and methods, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes. His past venture included establishing AirLoop, a pioneering customer engagement and loyalty platform tailored for storefront businesses.

Education and Achievements

Manu's educational background is as diverse as his professional experience. He studied for an Advanced Executive Certificate in Organizational Leadership at Queen's University and pursued a PhD in Organizational Behavior Studies at Carleton University, which he plans to complete in the future. He holds an MBA in Organizational Behavior & Change Management, and a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois System. Furthermore, Manu earned a B-Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, followed by obtaining a FITT Diploma in International Trade from the Forum in International Trade (F.I.T.T). He has complemented his academic experience with practical learning, completing courses such as the Real Estate Salesperson Program at Humber College and a Masterclass in Business Model Innovation & Value Proposition Design at Strategyzer.

Throughout his career, Manu has been involved with numerous organizations in various leadership roles, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting community growth. His previous positions include serving as Adjunct Professor at Lambton College, Director of Corporate Services at OCF, and Executive Director at the Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED). Additionally, he has held strategic advisory roles at Youth Ottawa and the Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) and has acted in various capacities at educational institutions like Carleton University.

Community Engagement

In line with his professional pursuits, Manu's personal life is interwoven with community service. His non-profit involvement includes serving as a Trustee with Kiva Zip, where he plays a role in advancing social causes through microfinance. He is also a Strategic Advisor with Mindtrust Leadership and Junior Achievements Ottawa, further emphasizing his commitment to youth mentorship. As a Charter Member with TiE Global, he collaborates with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators to foster entrepreneurial success and community development.

Personal Philosophy

Characterized by curiosity, strategic thinking, honesty, humility, and generosity, Manu Sharma is dedicated to cultivating meaningful connections, collaboration, and co-creation. His professional journey reflects his commitment to enhancing organizational efficiencies while navigating complexities within projects and promoting sustainable growth initiatives. With an unwavering focus on impact-minded organizations and individuals, Manu aims to drive innovations that create lasting change in communities.

In his personal and professional life, he welcomes opportunities for collaboration and seeks to connect with other like-minded individuals to explore innovative strategies for growth and positive social impact.

Highlights

Dec 9 · twitter

I just published "The Echo of Silence: Mastering the Art of Strategic Stillness" https://t.co/zluNASK8sA

Sep 16 · twitter

One interesting observation about this mission is that SpaceX seems to be dogfooding the commercial astronaut experience by sending its own employees onto the mission. Brilliant if true.

Related Questions

How has Manu Sharma's background in engineering influenced his approach to human-centered design?
What strategies does Manu Sharma use to foster innovation within organizations?
How did Manu Sharma transition from technology solutions to social innovation at the Ottawa Community Foundation?
In what ways does Manu Sharma mentor young entrepreneurs and support community development initiatives?
What role does Manu Sharma believe technology plays in amplifying social impact?
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Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada