How to Leverage Diversity for Innovation
Schedule
Tue Oct 21 2025 at 12:00 pm to 02:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
DMZ Sandbox | Toronto, ON
About this Event
Workshop Outline
Canadian businesses can no longer afford to think only locally or rely solely on the US for markets, capital, or talent. To grow and thrive, we need to go global, and that means learning how to collaborate with people who see the world and do business differently.
This workshop explores two critical dimensions of cultural awareness:
- Understanding others: how people from different parts of the world communicate, make decisions, and approach problems.
- Understanding ourselves: recognizing our own cultural tendencies, especially within Canada’s multicultural context.
By bringing these perspectives together, participants will discover how cultural awareness drives innovation, strengthens teams, and sparks creative solutions both globally and here at home.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- See how cultures differ in key dimensions and learn how to identify your cultural tendencies
- Learn how to map cultural differences to understand each other better
- Leverage differences as innovation fuel and use our diversity as a creative advantage
About DMZ Masterclass
Whether you're taking the first step into entrepreneurship or looking to sharpen your skills, the DMZ Masterclass is tailored to provide you with actionable insights and practical knowledge.
For more information and to register and stay informed on more workshops, visit DMZ Masterclass. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!
About the Speaker
Darren works at the intersection of culture, creativity, and innovation. Based in both Toronto and Tokyo, he is a faculty member at GLOBIS University, Japan’s largest business school, where he teaches MBA courses on cross-cultural management, design thinking, global virtual teams, and innovation.
Darren spent 12 years at Ricoh leading global teams, and earlier in his career, worked for over 15 years supporting Canada’s innovation ecosystem with the federal government. He is also a startup mentor with the Founder Institute, helping entrepreneurs scale their ventures.
As a past TEDx speaker, IDEO U instructor, and regular contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, Darren partners with organizations worldwide to design workshops and programs that transform cultural diversity into a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Networking
Info: Arrive early to sign in and expand your network, as we have a 30-minute networking session from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready for a seamless sign-in experience.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Masterclass Workshop
Where is it happening?
DMZ Sandbox, 341 Yonge Street, Toronto, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
