“A decade later, as I enter the third act of my career, I think about what I want for the next one like me, and all the others who approach me for guidance. I think about legacy and what I’m doing for the next generations, whether they have the chance to bring their humanity, humour, wit, presence and self-awareness to an industry that has space for so many diverse skills and abilities, and to feel the joy that I feel opening doors for others.”​

Short Bio

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Widely known for carving out her own unique paths to success, empowerment and personal growth discussing iconic moments in her life, Charlene Mc Farlane is on a benevolent crusade for us to look bravely at the things we rarely discuss in entrepreneurship - courage, fear, vulnerability, empathy and competition – asking, “What does success look like without the agency to self-advocate?” Sharing deep insight from her research and life experiences as a panelist, educator and contributing writer, anyone who experiences Charlene’s collection of thoughtful evolving content, trusted advice and learning tools is constantly reaching for higher ground, carving out a unique position in the marketplace, expressing their individual style and aspiring to make wise choices. 
 

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Long Bio

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Juror for OCAD University's Seed Fund for creative entrepreneurs and Ambassador and Loan Review Committee member for Access Community Capital Fund empowering historically, economically marginalized communities to overcome barriers and achieve financial security through entrepreneurship; Charlene is an entrepreneur and proud native of Little Burgundy in downtown Montreal.

Now living in Toronto, she has spent the last decade in arts and culture; studying and working in creative and competitive environments; developing strategies for success in business and event management; and providing outstanding quality control that demands a discerning, creative and business-driven mindset.

Throughout her career she has suffered a series of misfortunes learning her mother's late stage diagnosis and facing her mortality after learning her family's long history with Cancer, issues of workplace bias and intimidation, and standing helplessly on the sidelines as her son matriculated into manhood through depression and homelessness.

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Today, Charlene has carved out her own unique paths to success, empowerment and personal growth sharing what she has learned along the way, discussing iconic moments in her life and teaching lessons that matter most, actively transforming a life of struggle into a new destination for entrepreneurship, advocacy and authentic leadership.​

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