GNS Students Inspired by Lessons in Leadership, Community and Innovation at UVic Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Four Grade 10 Glenlyon Norfolk School students had the opportunity to attend one of Victoria’s premier business events on June 15, as guests at the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The black-tie event, held at the Victoria Conference Centre, brought together many of the region’s most respected business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to celebrate this year’s recipient, Darren Entwistle, the long-serving President and CEO of TELUS.

The evening began with a welcoming video message from philanthropist and entrepreneur Peter Gustavson, recorded while he was travelling with family in Italy. The message featured his grandchildren—students at the GNS Junior School—creating a special and unexpected connection between the event and the GNS community.

Representing GNS were four Grade 10 students whose entrepreneurial projects were among the most outstanding entries showcased at this year’s inaugural Innovation Expo. The Expo, the culmination of an in-depth entrepreneurship unit in Grade 10 Design, challenged students to identify real-world problems and develop innovative products, services, and business concepts designed to make a positive impact.

For many students, the evening was their first opportunity to attend an event of this scale and prestige. Surrounded by business leaders, community builders and innovators from across Vancouver Island, they gained valuable insight into the qualities and values that define successful entrepreneurship. “I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and learn from such successful entrepreneurs,” said Grade 10 student Hadassah Olagundoye.

In a powerful and deeply personal address, Entwistle reflected on his 26-year journey leading TELUS and shared a message that resonated strongly with the audience: great organizations succeed when they invest meaningfully in the communities they serve.

He spoke passionately about the concept of social capitalism—the idea that businesses have both an opportunity and a responsibility to strengthen the communities in which they operate. By supporting local initiatives, volunteering, and investing in social well-being, organizations help create healthy, thriving communities that, in turn, support the long-term success of those organizations.

“The relationship is reciprocal,” Entwistle explained. Strong communities create strong organizations, and organizations have a responsibility to contribute to the health and vitality of those communities.

Throughout his address, he highlighted TELUS’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy and social impact. He also shared how the company has leveraged its expertise in data analytics and network infrastructure to expand into adjacent sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, demonstrating how innovation can be used to address complex societal challenges.

The evening also provided students with an opportunity to hear Entwistle’s perspective on one of today’s most transformative technologies: artificial intelligence.

While acknowledging the tremendous potential of AI, he emphasized the importance of maintaining human oversight and human judgment. He spoke about TELUS’s commitment to “AI for Good” initiatives and urged organizations to ensure that technology enhances rather than replaces the uniquely human qualities that drive innovation and progress.

His message aligned closely with many of the conversations taking place at GNS around the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Entwistle stressed that critical thinking, communication, collaboration, empathy and human connection must remain at the centre of how we approach emerging technologies.

Above all, he reminded students that people remain the most important asset in any organization.

For GNS, the evening offered a powerful extension of the school’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership. Entwistle’s message echoed many of the values that define the GNS community—particularly the core values of Caring and Community—and reinforced the importance of using innovation not only to create value, but also to create positive change.

The evening also highlighted the strong connections between GNS and the broader Victoria community. Throughout the event, numerous GNS alumni, current parents and community supporters stopped by the GNS table to reconnect and share their appreciation with Head of School, Chad Holtum. Their comments reflected the lasting impact the school has had on generations of students and families. With so many familiar faces in attendance, the event felt very much like an extension of the GNS community, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, alumni, parents and students in a shared celebration of innovation and service.

The opportunity was made possible through the generosity of alum and longtime GNS supporter Chris Denford ’82, CEO of Berwick Retirement Communities, who sponsored the GNS table and helped provide students with this memorable experience.

“Events like this are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary community that surrounds our school,” said Jon Hamlin, Director of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “The reach of the GNS network extends far beyond our campuses and across generations of alumni, parents and supporters who are committed to helping young people thrive. The GNS Effect is about more than connections; it is about people opening doors, sharing opportunities, and investing in the next generation. Watching our students engage with some of the region’s most accomplished entrepreneurs was a powerful example of what becomes possible when a community comes together in support of its learners.”

As GNS continues to expand opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives such as the Grade 10 Innovation Expo, experiences like this help students connect classroom learning with real-world leadership, offering valuable lessons that extend far beyond business.

For four aspiring young entrepreneurs, the evening served as a reminder that success is measured not only by what we build, but also by how we contribute to the communities around us.