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Arlene Dickinson

CEO, Venture Communications Ltd.

Arlene Dickinson is a Canadian marketing professional and CEO of Venture Communications. She is also a co-star on CBC's Dragon's Den, best-selling author, public speaker, venture capitalist and most importantly a huge lover of life and family. Arlene joined Venture Communications in 1988, taking sole ownership in 1998. During her tenure she has taken the company from a local firm into one of Canada's largest independent marketing firms, with offices in Calgary and Toronto.
Why You Should Stop Telling Me to Find Makers

Why You Should Stop Telling Me to Find Someone

I can't imagine I am the only woman over 50, not married or in a serious relationship, that has been told by some well meaning friend that It would be so good for me to find someone. Find someone? Is there a specific spot I should look? Is there a lost and found pile I can dig through to see if someone in there belongs to me?
07/30/2015 05:30 EDT
Small Business, Huge Alamy

Small Business, Huge Impact

October 15-19 is Small Business Week in Canada and this really is a very special year for me. This year I've partnered with Scotiabank to help shine a light on the important issues and challenges businesses in Canada face today. I've had a lot of experience on both sides of the business table and I'm really looking forward to getting a conversation started with entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders from across the country.
10/18/2012 08:32 EDT
What I Think of Culture in NHLI via Getty Images

What I Think of Culture in Canada

Culture is merely a reflection of the individuals in a community expressing themselves in groups formed because of creative passion. Without passion and culture, we are simply just passing through. And who wants to live a life that dull and grey? We are shaped by our own choices and made better when our culture allows us to make them freely and with artistic expression and be better as a result.
09/21/2012 12:06 EDT