From Global BC to Hiive: 5 essential leadership lessons from B.C.’s top tech and media executives

In industries as fast-moving as tech and media, the leaders who thrive are those who can adapt quickly and innovate constantly. Vision alone isn’t enough—you need the right people, resilient mindsets and networks that spark collaboration. From hiring the smartest teammates to embracing failure with humility, five B.C. executives share the leadership lessons that help them navigate change and drive growth.

1. Sarah Huggins

Chief operating officer, Hiive

“Don’t be afraid to hire people who are smarter or have more potential than you.”

Years ago, when I was much earlier in my career, a trusted mentor and very successful leader told me this. I took it to heart when I set out on my entrepreneurial journey years later. Today, it guides my hiring philosophy and informs the advice I give to other hiring managers in our organization. Smart and capable people don’t suck up opportunity or take it from others; they create more of it to go around. The best leaders surround themselves with the very best people and create the conditions to help them thrive.

2. Dan Burgar

Co-founder and CEO, Frontier Collective

“Build the room before you need it.”

Whether you’re a founder, policymaker or investor, the best outcomes don’t come from solo genius—they come from shared momentum. Leadership isn’t just about vision, it’s about creating the conditions for others to rise with you.

Real change happens when you curate trust, spark collisions and create space for others to step in. The rooms you build—your networks, your events, your values—become the flywheels for innovation, capital and collaboration. And if you wait until you need the support, it’s already too late. So—build early, build  generously and lead by creating gravity.

3. Katie Dunsworth-Reiach

Co-founder, Talk Shop

“Play long-term games with long-term people.”

This speaks to me because so much of our world feels fast and disposable and I want to create things that outlive me. To do this, you need the right kind of people. I believe long-term people compound. Their value grows. Their character shows.

In my almost 20 years in business, there’s been pressure to go faster. To chase what’s shiny and trending. But the best kind of leadership isn’t about short-term wins, it’s about building something that lasts with genuine care for the  people you serve and those you’re creating it with.

4. Amanda Kao

Founder and CEO, The Bad Academy

“Fail fast.”

In my experience, leadership in business is as much a series of failures as it is a series of  successes. The sooner you accept this as fact and take it on the chin, the sooner you’ll get up—better and wiser for it. A great leader accepts and welcomes failure with grace, humanity and humility.

5. Bhupinder Hundal

News director and station manager, Global BC 

“Take the time to find clarity, think, discuss, gain insight and make thoughtful decisions.”

It is easy to get distracted and become emotional about things that happen. However, giving yourself time and space can go a long way in preventing you from making bad decisions.