The Path with Ryan Roslansky Shopify President Harley Finkelstein on networking and building a personal board of directors
Nov 14, 2023
Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from DJing in middle school to leading a major e-commerce platform. He discusses the significance of being an added value in business and the loneliness that often accompanies entrepreneurship. Networking expert Diana YK Chan joins to provide invaluable tips on creating a personal board of directors for professional growth, stressing the importance of relationships and ongoing engagement in building a strong support system.
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Early DJ Business Beginnings
- Harley started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 by creating a DJ business renting equipment and hiring himself.
- His father supported him by making business cards, giving him confidence to pursue his ideas.
Building a Personal Board
- Harley cultivated a personal board of directors and a community of entrepreneurs at every career stage.
- These mentors and peer groups helped reduce entrepreneurship's loneliness and shared valuable support.
Pitching Himself to Shopify
- After practicing law 10 months, Harley called Toby and offered to join Shopify as a Swiss army knife to add value.
- He was willing to do any job needed without concern for title to help scale the company.